"Which way now?" Between the ages of six and nine, that question can turn into a small planning exercise. You don't need a special outing. A walk, one or two real decisions and a grown-up who steers without taking the wheel completely are enough.
Here's why it's worth letting kids make small decisions at this age, what pediatricians suggest, and how to turn a short outing into a chance to practise.
What "planning" means at this age
Planning with a six-to-nine-year-old isn't about diaries or timetables. It's about very concrete things:
- Choosing between options: lake first, or the big trees?
- Putting steps in order: snack first, then find the clue, then head home.
- Estimating: will we get there before it gets dark?
- Changing the plan: if it starts to rain, what's plan B?
These skills are sometimes grouped under the label "executive functions". You don't need the label. What matters is that everyday life offers lots of chances to practise them, and a walk is one of the easiest.
Why it makes sense at 6–9
As children grow, they can take on more responsibility that fits their age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests giving them small, age-appropriate tasks, asking for their ideas and praising effort over results. It also encourages letting children choose, when possible, some of the activities you do together.
Kids this age are often curious and keen to have their say. Letting them decide something small is one way of taking that seriously.
One important point: deciding something small doesn't mean deciding everything. Safety is always the grown-up's job: crossings, distances, where to stop and when to head back.
Five ways to practise on a walk
1. Give them a role
Before you leave, let them pick a role: guide (chooses which way to turn at the next junction), map keeper (carries the map or notebook) or bag keeper (looks after the water and snacks). A concrete role makes the decision manageable.
2. Offer two options, not ten
"What do you want to do?" is overwhelming. "Shall we take the tree path or the fountain path?" works. Two real options, both fine with you, and they choose.
3. Ask them to suggest the next stop
Once they know the place, take the next step: "Where shall we stop for a snack?" Listen to their reason before you say yes or no. If the idea isn't safe, explain why and find another one together.
4. Make a three-step plan
On paper or out loud: 1) where we're going, 2) what we'll do there, 3) how we'll know it's time to go home. At the end of the walk, look back at the plan: did it work? What would you change?
5. Celebrate the attempt, not just the result
If their route turned out longer than expected, that's fine. As the AAP suggests, praise the effort: "You chose, and you got us here. What would you do differently next time?"
What to avoid
- Asking and then ignoring the answer. If you offer a choice, respect it (within what's safe).
- Turning it into a test. It's a walk, not an exam. If they don't feel like deciding today, you decide.
- Handing over safety. However much they lead, the grown-up is always in charge.
One idea for today
Go out for ten minutes. Let them choose between two paths and suggest one stop. On the way back, ask what they enjoyed about leading. No kit and no preparation: just a walk.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can children start making decisions?
Even very young children can choose between simple options. Between six and nine, many children enjoy suggesting, organising and explaining their reasons, always with a grown-up beside them.
What if they always choose the same thing?
That's normal. Add a game rule: "today, pick the path we've never tried".
Will this improve their planning skills?
We don't promise outcomes. What we can say is that everyday life offers plenty of chances to practise, and a family walk is one of the nicest.
How we think about it at Paseo y Pista
In The Six-Letter Mystery, our first family adventure, the team agrees a pact before setting off and makes small decisions along the way, like choosing who starts a game, while the grown-up takes care of the route and safety. It's a clue-led walk for ages 6 to 9 in Madrid's Retiro park.
If this topic interests you, read Screen-free walks: observation games and Talking about feelings after a walk.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Age-Appropriate Chores for Children
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Creating Positive Experiences for School-Age Children
This article offers general ideas for families. It is not a substitute for advice from health or education professionals.