Family-Centric approach to decision making

There can be three approaches to decision making in families: Kids’ centric approach, parents’ centric approach, and family-centric approach. In the kids’ centric approach, the parents put their kids at the center and the decisions made are mainly child-focused, the one that benefits the child even if it comes at the cost of the parents. In a parents’ centric approach, most of the decisions are made that’s in the best interest of the parents even if it comes at the cost of the child. However, in a family-centric approach, all the requirements of the parents and the child are discussed by the family and decisions are made that serve the best interest of the family.

There are two key aspects to family-centric decision making:

Connection: As parents, when we consistently build a connection with our child, we strengthen the parent-child bond. This connection increases the receptiveness that parents and children have towards each other when it comes to decision making because there is an inherent trust that is built through connection where parents and children believe that they will act in the best interest of each other.

All needs matter: One of the practices in a family-centric approach should be honoring the needs of both - parents and the child before arriving at any solution. There may be occasions where a solution may not meet all the needs, but the decision-making process should ensure that all the needs matter and are considered in the decision-making process. Also, when parents and the child consistently come from a place of connection, it’s possible to meet the needs of all parties involved most of the time.

There might be occasions, where it’s not possible to make decisions that meet the needs of everyone involved. On such occasions, parents should eventually take the call. While the parents decide, they could ensure the needs of the child are thoroughly considered and the solution is discussed with the child before making any decision. Also, once the decision is made, parents can help their children understand their reason behind their decision.

When you take a family-centric approach to parenting, as a family you are engaging in decision-making processes that intentionally contributes to the well-being of the other. This overall strengthens the bond that you have as a family.

(Edited by Juhi Ramaiya)

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