Flexible thinking rock brain9/19/2023 ![]() ![]() Many children struggle with cognitive flexibility because their brains are not fully developed. Because the region of our brain responsible for cognitive flexibility develops into adulthood, so does our ability to think flexibly. This brain region continues to develop into your late twenties to early thirties. The prefrontal cortex is the part of your brain located right behind your forehead. One of these brain regions is the prefrontal cortex. Why is Cognitive Flexibility Difficult for Children?Ĭognitive flexibility is a complex ability that depends on several areas of your brain working together. Cognitive flexibility is needed for everyday problem solving, from schoolwork to social interactions. If these scenarios sound familiar, your child likely experiences difficulties with cognitive flexibility. When you explain this to your child, they react strongly. Does your child struggle to cope with unexpected change? You promised your child that they could have their favourite treat as a snack, but you’ve run out.Your child continues to apply the previous strategy even though it is no longer working. Now, your child is being asked to solve two-digit multiplication questions. Does your child experience difficulties problem solving using new strategies? Your child has learnt a strategy to help them solve single-digit multiplication questions. ![]() Your child has a hard time accepting the changes and withdraws from the game. A friend suggests making some changes to the rules. Does your child struggle with understanding other people’s perspectives during social interactions? At recess, your child has a great idea for a game.Your child continues to add the numbers instead of subtracting them. They are now completing a worksheet on subtraction. Does your child have a hard time switching from one activity to the next? Your child just finished a math worksheet on addition.What Do Challenges with Cognitive Flexibility Look Like? In particular, cognitive flexibility allows us to shift gears, consider multiple pieces of information at a time, and adapt our thinking to reflect changing demands. Executive functioning encompasses cognitive skills necessary to complete everyday goal-directed behaviour, from completing a worksheet to cleaning a bedroom. The ability to adjust to the ever changing demands of our environment is a complex skill that relies on flexible thinking, also known as cognitive flexibility.Ĭognitive flexibility is a core component of executive functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that we all have to adapt to change at the drop of a hat - children and adults alike. ![]()
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