Why it matters:
Children who struggle with flexibility are more likely to experience frequent frustration, conflict, and emotional outbursts.
What it looks like:
Insisting on doing things one way, difficulty with changes in routine, trouble sharing ideas, or becoming upset over small changes.
How to support:
Model flexible thinking, prepare children for changes ahead of time, and offer choices to provide a sense of control.
Try this today:
- Use language like: “That didn’t go as planned—let’s try a different way.”
- Offer two acceptable choices instead of one direction to build flexibility.
- Model flexibility out loud when something changes: “Hmm, this changed—what should we do now?”