Studies have shown that when a youngster does not gain appropriate decision-making skills, he may have difficulties taking up challenges and could be lead easily into bad habits.

In many instances, the decisions and behaviour your child now adopts could parallel the person he eventually becomes, and possibly the life he chooses in future.

A child who doesn't know how to differentiate right from wrong, or how to make healthy priorities, might end up doing badly in school and struggling academically. Therefore, as soon as you can determine that your preschooler is able to make age-appropriate decisions, do encourage him to make his own choices.

Good decision-making is a complex process that takes years to master, so parents should expose their child to this skill as early as possible.

Making a decision involves making a choice and selecting from alternatives.

Keep the following steps in mind to mould an effective decision maker:

- Some children are frightened to make choices owing to a lack of confidence. So, constantly encourage and motivate your child to make decisions

- To develop this skill, a child needs to practise making decisions every day. Use day-to-day routines to help him make personal preferences and positive decisions

- Don't overreact when your child makes a wrong choice, as making mistakes is a valuable part of learning. Instead, give him the opportunity to learn from it

- When your child makes the right choice, praise him and explain how useful that decision was, and what could have happened if he had decided otherwise

- Have regular chats with your child and give him examples of how appropriate decision-making can benefit him and those around him