A single mother of two teenagers, ages 16 and 18, is discussing her goals for her children. Which statement best supports her autonomy and helps you understand her goals?

• A. Suggest a parenting program for behavior management
• B. Tell me what you would like to see happen with your children in the future
• C. Explain legal responsibilities of parenting
• D. Prescribe family counseling without discussing goals

Answer: (B)

Eliciting a person’s goals and honoring their autonomy happens when you invite them to share their vision in their own words, without steering them toward a preset plan. The statement that asks her what she would like to see happen with her children in the future does exactly that—it centers her perspective, validates her role as the decision-maker for her family, and gives her a safe space to express the priorities she values, whether that’s independence, safety, education, or emotional well-being. This approach provides genuine insight into her aims, which then guides how you can support her in a way that aligns with what she wants for her children.

Other options shift the focus away from her subjective goals. Suggesting a parenting program implies a predetermined solution rather than her personal aims. Explaining legal responsibilities offers information about duties but doesn’t uncover her hopes for her children's future. Prescribing family counseling without discussing goals imposes an intervention without first understanding what she wants to achieve.