By Kyle Mutch, M.S., CCC-SLP

Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adjust and shift our thinking and behavior in response to changes in the environment or situation. In children, cognitive flexibility is particularly important as it plays a critical role in their learning, development, and overall well-being.

Here are some reasons why cognitive flexibility is important in children:

  1. Adaptability: Children with strong cognitive flexibility are better able to adapt to changing situations and cope with unexpected events. This is particularly important as they grow and encounter new challenges and experiences.
  2. Problem-solving: Cognitive flexibility is an essential aspect of problem-solving. Children who can think flexibly and consider multiple perspectives are better equipped to find creative solutions to problems.
  3. Learning: Children with strong cognitive flexibility are better able to learn and retain new information. They can more easily integrate new concepts and ideas into their existing knowledge base.
  4. Social Skills: Cognitive flexibility is also important for social interaction. Children who are able to adjust their behavior and responses to different social situations are more likely to develop positive relationships with their peers and adults.
  5. Emotional Regulation: Cognitive flexibility is also linked to emotional regulation. Children who are able to shift their attention and perspective in response to emotional triggers are better equipped to manage their emotions and respond appropriately to situations.

Here are 10 ways that children can improve their cognitive flexibility:

  1. Play Brain Games: Activities like puzzles, crosswords, and memory games can help improve cognitive flexibility by challenging children to think in different ways.
  2. Practice Perspective Taking: Encourage children to take the perspective of others by asking them to consider how someone else might feel or think in a particular situation. This is a great activity while reading books or watching shows and movies.
  3. Encourage Open-Mindedness: Encourage children to consider different perspectives and ideas by asking open-ended questions and discussing different viewpoints. Discuss hypothetical situations as well as real life scenarios that were challenging. Avoid doing this when children are upset. Wait until everyone is calm and some time has passed.
  4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises can help children learn to regulate their attention and become more flexible in their thinking.
  5. Try New Things: Encourage children to try new things and have new experiences, which can help them build resilience and adaptability. Take a new route home, go to a different library, or change the rules of a game. If you’re adventurous, take advantage of activities like camping or if you’d like to help others explore community service options in your area.
  6. Role-Playing: Role-playing can help children practice flexible thinking by assuming different roles and considering different perspectives.
  7. Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve cognitive flexibility by promoting blood flow and brain function.
  8. Use Analogies: Analogies can help children understand complex ideas by connecting them to more familiar concepts.
  9. Encourage Creative Play: Creative play, such as drawing, building, or storytelling, can help children practice flexible thinking by allowing them to express themselves in different ways.
  10. Limit Screen Time: Too much screen time can limit children’s exposure to new experiences and ideas, which can limit their cognitive flexibility. Encourage a healthy balance of screen time and other activities.