Involving children in family decision-making processes is not just about giving them a voice, but also about fostering a sense of responsibility, inclusion, and understanding of their role within the family unit. This practice, known as Collaborative Decision-Making (CDM), has been shown to have numerous benefits for children, including increased independence, knowledge, decision-making skills, and a sense of control.
The Benefits of Collaborative Decision-Making for Children
Research by the Child Mind Institute suggests that involving children in decision-making processes can help them be more thoughtful about how their decisions may impact others. This practice can also help children build skills and self-confidence. A study by the University of Illinois found that collaborative group work positions children as active decision-makers, enhancing their ability to recognize multiple sides of a dilemma, consider a range of reasons to support differing viewpoints, and weigh the costs and benefits associated with different decisions.
Methods to Involve Children in Family Decisions
There are several ways to involve children in family decisions. Here are some methods suggested by experts:
- Model your decision-making process: Adults often make decisions without thinking about the process. By thinking out loud when making choices, you can model decision-making for your children. For example, You are deciding what to cook for dinner. You verbalize your thought process, saying something like, “I’m thinking of making spaghetti for dinner because we have all the ingredients, and it’s quick to prepare. But we had pasta yesterday, so maybe we should have something different. What do you think?”
- Involve children in a dialogue about decisions that affect them: This could be about attending a classmate’s birthday party or deciding on a family vacation destination. Discuss the choices together and consider the pros and cons of each option. For example, Your family is planning a vacation. You sit down with your child and discuss potential destinations, talking about the pros and cons of each. For example, the beach might be fun and relaxing, but it could also be crowded. A trip to the mountains might be more peaceful, but the weather could be unpredictable.
- Give children the chance to practice making choices: Let your children make decisions on their own. This will help them build skills and self-confidence. Even if they make mistakes, it can be a valuable learning experience. For example, Your child is invited to two birthday parties on the same day. You let your child decide which one to attend, guiding them to consider factors like the closeness of each friend, the type of party, and their interests.
- Educate your child about the situation: Help your child collect all the possible information regarding the presented situation. This will eventually boost their confidence. For example, Your child is nervous about starting a new school. You help them gather information about the school, such as the layout of the building, the subjects they will be studying, and the extracurricular activities available. This helps them feel more prepared and confident about the transition.
Researcher Insights on Collaborative Decision-Making
Several researchers have contributed significantly to our understanding of CDM. For instance, Grace Berman, LCSW, a clinical expert at the Child Mind Institute, emphasizes the importance of modelling decision-making and involving children in decisions that affect them.
Dr. Geraldine Rowe, a Consultant Educational Psychologist in the UK, promotes the idea that CDM can enhance student cooperation and productivity, and foster a willingness to contribute to discussions.
Richard C. Anderson, director of the Center for the Study of Reading, and graduate student Joshua A. Morris, both of the University of Illinois, found that collaborative group work positions students as active decision-makers.
In conclusion, involving children in family decision-making processes can be a powerful tool for fostering responsibility, inclusion, and understanding. By implementing the methods suggested by experts and understanding the research behind CDM, families can create a more inclusive and empowering environment for their children.
