Let Freedom Ring!

We here at Mikey’s Journal hope you had a wonderful Independence Day!! Freedom and independence are ideals we strive for and celebrate, so the 4th of July week seems like a good time for some Wednesday Wisdom on self-determination.

This is something that takes a little bit of extra thought for us. There are ways we must limit Michael’s choices because we need to keep him safe. Mikey is a teenager who does not have a driver’s license, cannot go on a bike ride alone or even venture out on his own for a walk. His freedom is limited for his own protection.

Increasing Autonomy

Although we can’t remove all limitations, we try to find ways to increase his autonomy and independence. Even if your child cannot do something completely independently, they can assert their own autonomy when given choices.

Some things that work for us:

• Allowing Michael to choose what to have for his meals and snacks
• Respecting his wishes when he wants to be alone
• Helping him put on what he’d like to watch on TV
• Encouraging him to choose his own leisure activities
• Asking his opinion often, even as simply as, ‘do you want this?’
• Expecting him to do things for himself when he can
• Providing visual support on weather-appropriate clothing so he can choose what he’d like to wear
• Agreeing to his ideas so he knows we understand him and respect his opinion

While keeping them safe, how can you open your child’s window of freedom? What autonomy can you give them to allow their spirit and dignity to shine?