One thing I am working on with my kids now is their decision making skills. Trying to get them to realize that some things are more important than others. Also the idea that although they may really want something, be that new Pokemon cards from somewhere like Pokeflip, or the latest gadget that they insist everyone else has, that sometimes getting what they need is more important. I try to do this in a number of ways. I don’t think there is one way this lesson can be taught.
1. I may tell them no they don’t need something they are asking for because they need something else.
Ex. They can’t have a new video game because they need shoes.
2. I give them clear options between two things that they may want.
Ex. They can either go see a movie or get a new video game
3. I stand back and let them just decide. Then talk to them about it later.
Ex. I know that they recently told me something they want or need and they decide on do something else. Then I remind them what they mentioned to me earlier.
I am trying to get them to realize that mom and dad won’t be around forever . So I am trying to encourage them to think their decisions through before making them. I wonder if they realize that it’s harder for me than it is for them. Cause I still have a hard time letting go but I know that I need to. Sometimes all I want to do is save them. But I have to realize that I slowly need to step back. For example this weekend my son wanted a video game. I remembered he also wanted to go on a field trip. The field trip cost was $20. The game he wanted was around the same price as well. He decided to go with the video game. I later asked him about the trip and he said he wanted the video game more. He had actually forgotten about the trip. I want them to know that although I support them that their decisions can affect their future and other things that they want to do. That The Husband and I can’t always help them make the right decision.
How do you encourage your children’s decision making skills.
