Decision Making is an important life skill that children need to develop in order to become healthy and functioning adults. Children need to know how to make their own decisions and understand that every decision comes with a consequence, both positive and negative. Decision making should be taught as a deliberate process beginning with identifying the problem and thinking about what the desired outcome is. Decision making also includes; gathering information, brainstorming possible solutions, assessing the consequences to those solutions and picking the best choice. Below you will find resources you can use at home to help teach this important skill to your child.
Resources for Young Children:
Information:
Teach Your Child How to Make Choices
https://www.familyeducation.com/life/decision-making/teach-your-child-how-make-choices
Best Guide for Teaching Kids the Decision-Making Process Steps
https://www.kiddiematters.com/problem-solving-activity-free-printable/
Activities:
Fun Activities to Teach Children About Decision Making Skills
https://mom.com/kids/4887-fun-activities-teach-children-about-decision-making-skills
Decision Making Techniques for Children
https://www.familyeducation.com/life/decision-making/decision-making-techniques-children
Videos:
Innoventure Jr: Making Decisions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlmEfeC1DO4
Zen Den: How to Make Goo Choices- Mindfulness for Kids (Trailer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cxt_Ki4GSo
Resources for Adolescents:
Information:
Tips and Activities to Help Kids Develop Decision Making Skills
https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/tips-and-activities-to-help-kids-develop-decision-making-skills/
Steps to Good Decision-Making Skills for Teens
https://www.verywellfamily.com/steps-to-good-decision-making-skills-for-teens-2609104
Activities:
5 Problem Solving Activities for the Classroom
https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/5-problem-solving-activities-for-the-classroom/
10 Ways to Teach Your Children to Make Wise Decisions
https://www.allprodad.com/10-ways-teach-children-make-wise-decisions/
Videos:
Help Children Make Good Choices: Decision Making Skills (SODAS Method)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-SeO-aT2i8
Making Tough Choices with Kid President