Everyone makes decisions. Helping your child to develop the skill of Responsible Decision-Making now can help them better face challenges in the future. Let's explore how we can raise children who show responsibility and care for themselves and others when making choices.
The video presentation, from the Student & Family Support staff, is available in English, Spanish and Arabic below.
DECISION-MAKING 101
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Understanding how social and emotional learning impacts our own lives and the lives of other is a skill that must be taught.
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Children need to practice over and over again.
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The part of the brain that helps us to stop and think before making decisions is called the pre-frontal cortex. It continues to develop into young adulthood until the age of 26. It is constantly improving on our ability for executive functioning, which is higher-order thinking and good decision-making.
EXAMPLES OF PRACTICE AT HOME BY GRADE LEVEL
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Elementary: As a family, develop positively stated rules for the home.
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Middle School: Have a family discussion about the effects of peer pressure on responsible decision-making.
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High School: Have your child consider personal responsibility in relation to safety concerns and ethical standards (what's right and wrong).
DEVELOPMENT AT HOME
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Help your child develop a healthy self-image.
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Make problem-solving a family affair.
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Encourage your child to reflect and think things through.
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Raise questions about predicting outcomes.
STAY OPTIMISTIC
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This skill takes time to develop and needs a lot of opportunities for practice.
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Show your kids that you will always love and support them.
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We all have experienced making good and bad choices.
QUESTIONS?
Contact the Family Support team.
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Download these tips in English, Spanish and Arabic