Perhaps the word "decide" is a bit misplaced, if you're taking it to mean that an adult used the scientific method to weigh the options, and make a cerebral decision about the pros and cons of baptism.
But let's not be ridiculous. A child is not an adult, even at age 8, 10, or even 16. We baptize at 8 because that's the time the Lord says a child becomes accountable, meaning a greater need to understand the atonement, and a greater need for the influence of the Spirit (via the Gift).
Calling it a "decision" is a way of conveying to the child--and reminding the rest of us--of the importance of the ordinance, and our own personal responsibility to keeping our covenants. Dickering over the term seems a little silly to me.
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