How do you make large decisions on behalf of your kid?

I admit I'm not the most decisive person in the world, but really stress about the "big" decisions for my kid.For example: we have to pick a new school for him to start in September (Grade 1).Our options:Super expensive private school - GREAT school, lots of support structures in place for enrichment or support as necessary, 800 pupils, tons of extracurricular activities, 25 minute commute each way by car, would need after school care. We do a 30 minute commute each way to daycare and it is super draining (2 hours in the car for the adults). Pushes our monthly budget to the limit, and the price goes UP when the kid hits 7th gradeCheaper private school - TINY, only 120 kids in the whole school, so all split grade classes. Support structures for in-class enrichment or support, very few extracurriculars, would not need after school care (so shorter day), 30 minute bus ride each way. Concerns about social issues of such small classes - he's going to be with the same kids for every day until high school, and we've already hit bullying issues in daycare.Local public school - rated "OK", no support for enrichment or support, massive class sizes (35-38 pupils), frequent PD days (one per month minimum) and current strike action closing the schools frequently (seems to happen annually); short drive away, aftercare not needed but would need to find alternate care every time the school is closed, limited extracurriculars.Our kid is extremely bright, needs a firm hand to keep him on task or he gets disruptive, struggles a bit socially (youngest kid in the grade), and really needs to connect with his teachers/coaches in order to work with them. We can afford to supplement extracurriculars if not offered by a school.He has been tested and accepted by both private schools.Obviously he is 5, this is not necessarily going to define his whole life, but this feels like a huge choice to make, and the wrong choice could potentially impact his thoughts about school going forward. via /r/Parenting https://ift.tt/2S3zffd