Cheap Teaching Children About Decision Making

When my daughter asked me why we couldn’t just buy the candy bar at the store, I realized that teaching her to make decisions wasn’t something I could do by simply telling her what to do. We live in a world that rewards instant gratification, and I knew I needed a way to help her understand the value of waiting, planning, and thinking through choices. That’s when I stumbled upon a simple, low-cost method of teaching decision making—one that didn’t require a budget or a curriculum. It just needed a few minutes, a bit of creativity, and a willingness to let her try, fail, and learn.

I started with a small experiment: I gave her a jar, a handful of pennies, and a piece of paper with three choices written on it. The goal was to save up for something she really wanted by making small, daily decisions about where to put her money. The results were surprising. Within a few weeks, she had developed a sense of responsibility and started thinking ahead. Her decisions weren’t perfect, but they were real. And that’s what made it valuable. It wasn’t about getting it right—it was about the process of learning how to decide.

Since that moment, I’ve learned that teaching children about decision making doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or time-consuming. It can be done with simple tools, everyday moments, and a few thoughtful strategies. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or guardian, this article will walk you through how to use cheap, accessible methods to help kids build decision-making skills that will last a lifetime. You’ll see how even the smallest choices can lead to the biggest learning moments.^[1]

Why Decision Making Matters for Kids

As of September 2026, Decision-making skills are not just for adults. Kids begin making choices from the moment they can pick up a toy or choose a snack. These early decisions lay the foundation for more complex choices later in life. When children learn to think through options, consider consequences, and make choices independently, they build a critical life skill that helps them in school, relationships, and future careers.

Research from the University of Chicago shows that children who engage in decision-making activities as early as age 4 show improved problem-solving abilities by the time they reach adolescence. This is because decision making is closely tied to cognitive development. When kids practice making choices, they also develop executive functioning skills like self-control, planning, and impulse regulation.^[2]

For parents and educators, this means that even simple, low-cost activities can have a lasting impact. The key is to create opportunities where children can see the outcomes of their decisions, whether positive or negative. This helps them learn from mistakes and become more thoughtful over time.

Part of our Biblical teaching about decision making for beginners guide.

How to Use a Savings Jar to Teach Decision Making

One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to teach decision making is through a savings jar. This method works by giving children a goal, like saving for a toy they want, and then letting them decide how much to save each day. The jar acts as a visual reminder of progress and helps them see the results of their daily choices.

In my experience, the savings jar method is especially useful for children aged 4 to 8. It introduces the concept of delayed gratification in a tangible way. For example, if a child saves a nickel a day, they can see the jar slowly fill up over time. This helps them understand that small, consistent decisions lead to bigger rewards.

I’ve used this method with my daughter, and it worked beautifully. She began to think ahead about what she wanted and how long it would take to save up for it. It taught her patience and the value of making conscious choices.

A savings jar turns abstract concepts like patience and planning into something tangible and rewarding.

Using Role-Playing to Explore Decision Making

Role-playing is another excellent, low-cost strategy for teaching decision making. By pretending to be in different situations, like a teacher, a doctor, or a friend, kids can practice making choices that have real-world implications. This method is especially useful for helping children think about how their decisions affect others.

I’ve used role-playing with my daughter to help her understand the consequences of her choices. For example, we played a game where she was the parent and I was the child. She had to decide whether to let me eat an ice cream cone or not. It was a fun way to explore the idea of responsibility and consequences.

Role-playing also helps children build empathy. When they put themselves in someone else’s shoes, they learn to consider different perspectives before making a decision. This is an invaluable skill that helps them become more thoughtful and compassionate as they grow.

“When my daughter asked me why we couldn’t just buy the candy bar at the store, I realized that teaching her to make decisions wasn’t…”— Teaching Decision Making to Teens editors

The Power of Choice Boards for Decision Making

Choice boards are a great, low-cost tool for teaching decision making. These boards are simple grids with different options listed, such as chores, activities, or snack choices. They give children a sense of control and help them practice making decisions in a structured way.

I created a choice board for my daughter with three options for her after-school activities. She could choose between drawing, reading, or playing with blocks. Over time, she began to make choices that aligned with her interests, which helped her build confidence in her decisions.

Choice boards are especially useful for younger children who are just beginning to understand the concept of making choices. They provide a clear, visual representation of options and help children see that they have the power to shape their own experiences.

Teaching Decision Making Through Daily Routines

Children often learn best through repetition and consistency. Daily routines, like getting ready for school or choosing a bedtime story, offer countless opportunities to teach decision making without the need for special tools or materials.

I’ve used daily routines to help my daughter practice making decisions. For example, I let her choose what to wear each morning from a selection of three outfits. This simple choice helped her understand the concept of decision making and gave her a sense of ownership over her choices.

Over time, I noticed that she began to make more thoughtful decisions in other areas of her life. Whether it was choosing what to eat for dinner or deciding how to spend her time, she was learning to think through her options and make choices that worked best for her.

How to Use Storytelling to Teach Decision Making

Storytelling is a natural way to teach decision making. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a made-up tale about a character facing a challenge, storytelling helps children explore different choices and their consequences in a safe, imaginative way.

I’ve used storytelling with my daughter to help her think about the consequences of her choices. For example, I told a story about a character who had to decide whether to share his toys or keep them for himself. We talked about what happened in the story and how the character felt about his decision.

Storytelling also encourages critical thinking and discussion. After reading a story, I often ask my daughter questions like, ‘What would you have done in that situation?’ or ‘Do you think the character made the best choice?’ These discussions help her reflect on her own decision-making process.

A good story can open a child’s mind to the power of making thoughtful choices.

Using Games to Reinforce Decision-Making Skills

Board games and card games are excellent, low-cost tools for teaching decision making. These games require players to think strategically, make choices, and consider the consequences of their actions. They also provide a fun and engaging way to practice decision making skills.

I’ve used games like “Guess Who?” and “Snakes and Ladders” with my daughter to help her practice decision making. In “Guess Who?”, for example, she has to decide which questions to ask to eliminate characters. This helps her think strategically and make informed choices.

Games like these are especially useful for children who learn best through play. They provide a natural way to practice decision making without the pressure of a formal lesson. And because they’re fun, kids are more likely to want to play again and again, reinforcing their learning over time.

Cheap Teaching Children About Decision Making