Empowering kids with medical complexities by giving them more autonomy can significantly enhance confidence and reduce anxiety, which of course is what we all really want. Last month, we talked about the importance and power of choice for kids with medical conditions and disabilities. This month, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how we can actually provide more choice.
Here are five effective ways to foster autonomy in your child’s daily life by providing choices:
1. This or That: Provide a Choice Between Two Things You Approve of
One of the simplest and most effective ways to give children more autonomy is by offering them a choice between two pre-approved options. This method ensures that the choices are safe, appropriate, and manageable within their specific medical and developmental context.
How to Implement:
- Daily Decisions: Offer choices in everyday activities. For instance, "Do you want to wear your blue or tie-dye Central Line Vest today?"
- Activity Selection: During playtime or therapy sessions, give them options that are both engaging, such as "Would you like to read a book or build with blocks?"
- Routine Preferences: Even within structured routines, provide small choices, like "Do you want to do your dressing change now or after we read a book?”
This approach not only empowers children by allowing them to make decisions but also ensures that their choices are within the bounds of what is safe for them.
2. Create a Visual Schedule
Visual schedules can be incredibly helpful for younger children with medical complexities and those with developmental diagnoses, providing them with a clear understanding of their daily routine and the autonomy to engage with it.
How to Implement:
- Daily Planner: Use pictures, symbols, or words to create a visual representation of the day's activities. This can include therapy sessions, TPN, tube feeds, medications, playtime, and rest.
- Interactive Elements: Allow them to participate by moving the symbols or pictures as they complete each activity. This gives them a sense of control and accomplishment.
- Customizable Options: Include slots for them to make choices, such as “Choose an afternoon activity” or “Pick your bedtime story.”
Visual schedules help them understand what to expect and give them a sense of control over their day, reducing anxiety and increasing independence.
3. Encourage Self-Advocacy
Teaching children to express their needs and preferences is a crucial step in fostering autonomy. Self-advocacy empowers them to take an active role in their care and decision-making processes.
How to Implement:
- Role-Playing: Practice scenarios where they might need to express their needs or preferences, such as asking for a break during therapy or choosing a different activity.
- Communication Tools: Use communication boards, sign language, or speech-generating devices if verbal communication is a challenge. Ensure they have the tools they need to express themselves.
- Supportive Environment: Encourage and validate their efforts to communicate their needs. Celebrate successes and provide gentle guidance when needed.
4. When Possible, Involve Them in Medical Decisions
While some medical decisions must be made by caregivers and professionals, involving children in age-appropriate aspects of their care can help demystify the process and give them a sense of agency in their treatment.
How to Implement:
- Explaining Procedures: Describe medical procedures in simple, honest, developmentally-appropriate terms. Use visuals or stories to help them grasp what will happen.
- Offering Choices: Whenever possible, provide choices related to their care, such as selecting a preferred method for taking medicine or choosing which arm to use for a blood draw.
- Encouraging Questions: Foster an environment where they feel comfortable asking questions about their health and treatments. Answer honestly and at an appropriate level for their understanding.
5. Set Up a Safe Environment for Exploration
Creating a safe space where children can explore and make decisions on their own encourages independence and builds confidence.
How to Implement:
- Safeguard the Environment: Ensure that their environment is safe for exploration. Gus Gear is a great tool to help them play inside and outside safely!
- Independence in Daily Tasks: Encourage them to participate in daily tasks appropriate for their abilities, such as dressing themselves or helping with simple household chores.
- Positive Reinforcement: Praise their efforts and successes in making decisions and completing tasks independently, fostering a sense of achievement.
More Autonomy is a Good Thing
Giving children with medical complexities more autonomy in their lives is a powerful way to foster independence and give them a sense of control amidst chaos. By offering choices between approved options, creating visual schedules, encouraging self-advocacy, involving them in medical decisions, and setting up safe environments for exploration, caregivers can significantly enhance their children's quality of life. Put more simply… you can help provide more opportunities for joy!
