Offering children choices is one important way to support autonomy. Beginning at a young age, try modeling choices during the physical exam to encourage caregivers to do this at home!

A few examples:

1. Let the child choose what they want to have examined first - their eyes or their ears
2. Ask the child if they want to sit on their caregiver’s lap or on the table
3. Offer a choice between colors of bandages or lollipop flavors

By helping parents to see their role in asking, listening to, and respecting their child’s voice, you can support confidence, independence and self-determination. To learn more about why these qualities matter to long-term child development, log back in to watch our Autonomy module.