In counseling a mother about child care options, what should be the primary goal?

• A. To inform decisions that balance mother’s and child’s needs
• B. To enforce a single right option
• C. To minimize parental involvement
• D. To delay decisions

Answer: (A)

The goal in counseling about child care options is to partner with the mother to choose options that balance her needs with the child’s needs, focusing on safety, development, and practical feasibility. This approach embodies family-centered care: provide clear, unbiased information about available options, help the mother weigh factors such as safety, routines, work schedules, finances, and support systems, and support her in making a plan that fits her family, values, and resources. By empowering informed, collaborative decision-making, the chosen arrangement is more likely to be workable, satisfactory, and beneficial for the child’s well-being.

Choosing a single “right” option or trying to minimize parental involvement undermines autonomy and uniqueness of each family’s situation, while delaying decisions compounds stress and can leave care needs unmet.