Children have opinions about a lot of things. Listen to their responses. From something as simple as what to cook for dinner to the more complicated matters of allowance and curfew, children have valid suggestions and observations of their own. Michelle proposed painting her room pink, yellow, and green plaid. Even very young children know what they like.
Children are curious observers of their world.
Let them know it's okay to express themselves. You might be surprised at what they have already learned. Children have lots to say and when asked will give you new ideas where you might be stuck. At age eight, Manda told me about a new baby-sitter and got her phone number from a neighbor. So I didn't use her again.