Autonomy leads to greater communication with children. Faber & Mazlish have 6 guidelines that encourage autonomy in children. They are:
1. Let Children Make Choices – Child selected choices reduces their need to express resentment.
2. Show Respect for a Child’s Struggle – Adults can be most helpful to a child when they give useful information that will help the child find their own solution.
3. Don’t Ask Too Many Questions – Listening rather than questioning opens a child up to talk.
4. Don’t Rush to Answer Questions – Asking a child questions encourages them to grapple with finding a solution.
5. Encourage Children to Use Resources Outside of Their Home or School – Show them there is a larger community with valuable resources waiting to be tapped.
6. Don’t Take Away Hope – The pleasure of life lies in dreaming and anticipating. Trying to protect children from disappointment often robs them of valuable learning experiences. This last one is so important because HOPE is what KIDS HOPE USA is all about.