In Order To Be Able To Manage Emotions, Children Need To Learn To Think Flexiblely

Illustration of ways for children to learn to think flexibly (Freepic)

YOGYAKARTA In the midst of fast-moving uncertainty and changes, children need to be taught to learn to think flexibly. Flexible thinking is the ability to think about things in new or different ways. Flexibility thinking is also important to hone skills in regulating and managing emotions. When children are able to think flexibly, it is likely that their emotions are more manageable when things don't go according to plan.

Children who can think flexibly will be more adaptable. They still feel disappointed but tend to be open to alternative solutions. So how to teach children to think flexibly? Here are the steps.

Managing disappointment or uncertainty is difficult, but it's important to validate the feelings of the children no matter how confusing their feelings are. Validating feelings can be done with validative sentences, for example Mother understands how sad you are not being able to come to a birthday party because you have to go to your grandmother's house. It's really hard. When children feel listened to and noticed, they tend not to think about negative emotions and find solutions immediately.

It is important to remember parents, frustration and sadness take time for the admission process. Even so with the feeling of disappointment of children who need time to make them cheerful again. So, parents need to be patient in accompanying their children to be skilled in thinking flexibly. Moreover, it is important to accompany children in managing sadness and building their spirit again.

For example, tomorrow the child has a swimming schedule but according to the weather forecast, it will rain right during the different swimming schedule. When conditions occur that may make children feel disappointed, invite them to look for alternative activity ideas that make them happy. When children can control their emotions and get alternative ideas, they have the opportunity to practice flexible thinking.

Parents are role models for their children. Give them an example of their skills in overcoming healthy problems. They will emulate you in developing better habits and reduce being overwhelmed when things don't go according to plan.

Actually, helping children learn to think flexibly looks simple. But it must be done continuously in order to become a habit. For children with certain cases, such as experiencing mental health problems, traumatic events, or loss, look for professional rocks because they may require special therapy in developing a flexible way of thinking.