Dr. Cherilyn Davis (Growing Wise Choices)
Dr. Cherilyn Davis traces the journey of decision-making from infancy to adolescence, revealing how simple infant reactions evolve into thoughtful teenage choices shaped by values,...
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How can parents support their child's decision-making?
Supporting your child's decision-making process at every stage means helping them reflect on choices, discuss outcomes, and weigh pros and cons. Offering opportunities for them to make decisions both small and large will help them build confidence in their ability to make sound choices both now and in the future.
How do decision-making skills mature in adolescence?
As children enter adolescence, their decision-making skills, mature teens start to weigh multiple factors like social influences, personal values, and future outcomes before making a decision, however, the adolescent brain is still developing, particularly the parts responsible for impulse control and assessing risks. As a result, they may sometimes make decisions based on emotions or peer pressure rather than logical reasoning. This is where parental guidance can be pivotal in helping teens navigate more complex decisions.
How do preschool children make decisions?
By the time your child reaches preschool decision-making starts to involve more than just immediate rewards. At this age. They begin to understand that some choices lead to long-term benefits. For example, they may choose to share a toy with a friend, knowing that sharing will bring about more play and connection. However, their decision-making is still heavily influenced by emotions, desires, and the immediate situation, which is why you might see frequent yes or no responses.