How To Help Children Think Flexiblely?

JAKARTA - Flexible thinking is the ability to think about various things in new or different ways. This ability helps a person face uncertainty, solve problems, adapt to change, and enter new information into plans or ideas. Flexibility thinking is also an important aspect of self-regulation and handling of big emotions. When children, as well as parents are able to take a flexible approach to a problem, they tend not to give up when things don't go according to plan.

Children who think flexible is easier to adapt and tend not to see problems as an irreparable disaster. For example, if the trip to Grandma has to be canceled, children who find it difficult to think flexibly will feel sad and immersed in disappointment. Children who can think flexibly will also feel disappointed, but they tend to be more open when you offer alternative solutions, such as video calls for example.

So what can parents do to help their children get better in thinking flexibly?

The results of the Child Mind Institute, Friday, February 14, are important for parents to validate their child's feelings, no matter how big or confusing that feeling is, before trying to forget it. When children feel heard and understood, they tend not to dwell on negative emotions and are better able to continue living by finding solutions.

But remember, it takes time to change from disappointment or sadness to acceptance and action. Children may not respond as quickly as you hope. If that happens, be patient and encourage children to try to think flexibly to help manage pressure and build resilience.

If the kids are ready, invite them to help you find ideas about how to manage uncertainty and difficult changes. If children feel they are part of the team, they will have a greater sense of control and have the opportunity to train flexible thinking skills.

Children are looking for clues from parents about how to behave. Exemplifying the skills of overcoming healthy problems will help you and your child develop better habits. And feeling less overwhelmed when things don't go as expected.

Expressing your thoughts out loud when you solve a problem is the right way to do it. When your child sees you facing changes or problems by making sense and focusing on solutions, they will tend to do the same.

Flexible thinking can be very difficult to practice if children experience mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. Or your family has just experienced traumatic events such as losing family members, work, or home.

When a family is hit by considerable mental stress, new uncertainty can trigger emotions. If you see that children are not used to being flexible, upset, anxious, or sad, it may be a sign that they are struggling with mental health problems. Talk to your children about how they feel, and contact pediatricians, clinical doctors, or school supervisors who can help.