Voice

Hold Family Meetings

Hold regular family meetings where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the agenda. Encourage children to add items they want to discuss, whether it's upcoming family activities, household rules, or their own concerns and ideas. This practice fosters active participation and teaches children the importance of having a voice in decision-making processes.

Encourage Critical Thinking and Discussions

Encourage children to discuss current events, ethics, and thought-provoking topics, expressing opinions respectfully. Involve them in problem solving when conflicts arise, fostering ownership and collaboration. Create a safe space that values diverse viewpoints, encouraging listening and thoughtful expression.

Provide Opportunities for Self-Expression

Provide opportunities for children to express themselves creatively through art, journaling, or storytelling. Encourage them to share their creations with the family and express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas openly. This not only strengthens their communication skills, but also validates their perspectives and experiences.

Support Pursuit of Interests and Passions

Show genuine interest in children's current hobbies, interests, passions, as well as their hopes for life after graduation. Take time to listen to their thoughts and ideas, ask open-ended questions, and support their exploration and learning. Whether it's through books, documentaries, or hands-on activities, providing resources and encouragement validates their interests and encourages them to pursue their passions with confidence, while at the same time helping them see how what they are learning in school connects to life outside of school.

Empower Them with Decision Making

Offer students opportunities to have a say in family decisions. For example, you might ask: 

• Why don't you decide what we should cook for dinner this weekend? (You may need to impose a budget with a list of possible foods and their estimated cost.)

• What color do you want to paint your room?

• How do you think we might rearrange the living room to get a different look?

• We have a new neighbor moving in next door; how should we welcome them to the neighborhood?