SELF-DETERMINATION

If you are self-determined you take responsibility for what happens in your world. 
Self-determination relates to the way we take responsibility (as causal agents) when we exercise choices, make decisions and experience the outcome. Self-determination enables independence and freedom. To have self-determination you must have the skills to manage your environment, otherwise you are likely to be controlled by it and see yourself as a victim.

Fostering Self-determination

There are many different methods of fostering self-determination. It's a life-long journey of support and guidance as your children: 

  • learn to set expectations
  • learn about themselves
  • face genuine and relevant challenges
  • develop personal strategies and networks
  • experience the feelings that come with achieving a planned outcome
  • experience the feelings that come with not achieving a planned outcome

A Model

Field and Hoffman (2006) developed a five step model for fostering self-determination. Here’s a broken down version of that model;

Step 1
Know Themselves & Their Environment

Talk with your children about who they are and where they are from. Help them identify their strengths and weaknesses, options, supports and expectations. 

Step 2
Value Themselves

Help them accept and value themselves by; using weakness to find strength; recognizing rights and responsibilities; taking care of themselves; developing positive relationships.

Step 3
Plan

Set goals (based on 1 & 2) and plan small steps to meet them
Anticipate results
Be creative and visually rehearse

Step 4
Act

Take risks, be focused and persistent
Communicate and negotiate
Access resources and support
Deal with conflict and criticism

Step 5
Experience Outcomes & Learn

Compare outcome with expected outcome/performance
Realize success
Make adjustments


Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
Charles Swindoll


References

 
Peterson, C & Seligman, M & Maier, S (1995)
Learned Helplessness: A Theory for the Age of Personal Control, USA: Oxford University Press
Deci, E & Flast, R. (1995)
Why we do what we do, 
New York: Penguin
http://www.selfdeterminationtheory.org/