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Whose choice is it anyway?

Adele Hamilton, Editor Parent24
Adele Hamilton, Editor Parent24
‘I don’t mind if you want to study architecture – or zoology,’ I said to my teenage son, Miles, trying to demonstrate how open-minded I am.

‘Great, Mom,’ he replied with lashings of irony, ‘but I dropped art – and biology.’

Subject choices are surprisingly nerve-wracking. The path of his life will be affected by choices he makes at the age of 15.

Of course we have been making choices on his behalf since he was born: breast or bottle, cloth or disposable... But from here on, the choices are mostly his, with us as guides, facilitators and financiers.

Sometimes there is an almost physical pain to supporting a challenging choice, but mostly I’m in awe of how well-reasoned the bulk of his decisions are.

We’ve chosen some more stories about making choices with – and for – your children:

Changing schools – You’ve moved jobs, does his life have to change too?

Young dad, old dad – Your age when you start a family does affect them.

Change your food attitude – A healthy parental lifestyle has physical and emotional benefits for your kids.

What’s the most difficult choice you’ve made for or with your child? At what age do you believe children can make wise choices?

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