“It’s very important to involve children in decision-making from an early age,” says Céline Elkhuizen from our activities team. “In an ideal world, children learn that their opinions matter and that they are listened to. This builds their self-confidence and also teaches them the basics of democratic citizenship.”
Children’s participation at home
Here at our after-school care centre, we apply this concept of ‘children’s participation’ across the board. Céline advises parents to do the same at home as much as possible. “You can start with very simple choices on straightforward topics,” she says. “What does your child want on their sandwich? Make sure you clearly set out the guidelines and boundaries. For example: ‘We have agreed to put something healthy on our sandwiches today.’ Or: ‘Today we can choose from whatever we have in the house.’”
As your child gets older, the topics can become a bit more far-reaching: which film shall we go and see as a family? Or even: where shall we go on holiday this summer?
Contributing idead and taking part in decision-making at the after-school care
Children are also spoken to in this way at the after-school care. For example, they are often allowed to decide for themselves what they want to do at the after-school care centre that day. “If a child says, ‘I want to go to Efteling now’, you explain that it’s too far away and too expensive. But even when you set such parameters – it has to fit within the budget and be nearby – some really lovely ideas can emerge,” says Céline.
Recently, we carried out a survey among after-school care children. It revealed, for example, that they like to decide for themselves what they eat and when. That’s when we came up with the idea of introducing a (healthy) buffet at the after-school care centre, so that everyone can help themselves to something whenever they feel like it.
Your opinion matters
There is a difference between having a say at home and having a say at the after-school care, she explains: “In principle, the after-school care is free time for the children to spend as they wish. If they don’t feel like doing a particular activity, they don’t necessarily have to take part. But it’s also good to listen to a child at home. Talking – including about bigger decisions – shows that your child’s opinion matters. It also helps a child to develop their own identity: ‘I think this, I don’t think that, and I can explain why.’
So children's participation is not the same as always letting a child have their own way, Céline explains: “But letting your child know that you’re listening to them boosts their self-confidence. And it works the other way round too: if your child is worrying about something, they’ll be more likely to confide in their parents. Or ask questions about topics they can’t figure out for themselves.”
Find an after-school care
Has this sparked your interest? We would love to show you how we help your child develop and have fun with friends. Find a Partou location near you and come and meet us!