Parenting comes with many ups and downs, which is why many parents struggle especially during overwhelming circumstances. But it can be easier for us since there are actually parenting hacks that we can make use of to help our kids be more flexible and to rewire their brain.

These parenting hacks fosters problem solving skills and coping skills. By utilizing these practical hacks, kids are given opportunities to explore more on their own to be more flexible to overcome challenges in life. That is why this is such an important episode for parents as we will be focusing on parenting hacks, which is the third part in our series on ways to cultivate flexibility in kids.

Parenting Hacks: How to help kids be more flexible.

Parenting can be compared to a plastic bag. Just as a plastic bag is versatile and adaptable, parenting requires flexibility and the ability to adjust to different situations and challenges.

Parenting hacks can make life easier when it comes to cultivating flexibility in kids, especially during challenging moments like potty training, feeding baby food, soothing a crying baby, managing kid's toys, and helping them fall asleep.

One of my favorite parenting hacks is getting my kids to laugh. It is a great diffuser especially when things get tough but we shouldn’t neglect the issue at hand. Otherwise, our kids won’t be able to develop their coping skills and problem solving skills.

There should be a safe space for playfulness while also providing support and guidance to help kids develop effective coping skills and problem solving skills. However, it is important to have a good balance between incorporating this hack during stressful or challenging situations and addressing the issues.

This can involve open and healthy communication, actively listening to the concerns of the kids, and teaching them strategies to better handle their emotions when faced with challenges or problems. When it comes to parenting hacks that cultivate flexibility in kids, involving every family member can make a significant difference. With little kids, it's essential to engage them in activities that promote coping skills and problem solving skills.

Letting kids know things in advance often combats anticipatory anxiety and defuses a lot of blowups. As such, it greatly helps to let your kids know what to expect or what the plan is. You can give them reassurance but not too much to avoid reinforcing their tendency to constantly seek reassurance and validation.

It’s also important to give your kids opportunities to make choices on their own and let them have control. We want kids to be good decision makers. Personally, I want my kids to not rely on me for everything. That is why as much as possible, I let them come up with solutions on their own when they are faced with problems and I just guide them when they consult me if their solution is good or not.

Having a healthy environment also helps kids to be more flexible, especially those dealing with mental health problems such as but not limited to anxiety, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, depression, and ADHD.

By adopting these parenting hacks, you create a more flexible and adaptable environment for your kids. This fosters their ability to handle changes, adapt better to new things and situations, and develop their problem-solving skills. If you’re in need of help, tools and other resources, you can reach us through this link

For further information about cultivating flexibility in kids, you can read the following blog posts:

● 11 Ways to Cultivate Flexible Thinking in Kids

● Dysregulated Kids Guide

Links and Resources:

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Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, and leading expert in emotional dysregulation in children. With over 30 years of experience, she helps parents understand the root causes of meltdowns, anxiety, ADHD, and challenging behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation. Dr. Roseann teaches practical, science-backed strategies for co-regulation and how to calm a dysregulated child using her Regulation First Parenting™ approach. She is the host of the Dysregulated Kids Podcast and author of The Dysregulated Kid.

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Emotional Dysregulation in Children & Nervous System Expert
Regulation First Parenting™ | CALMS Protocol™
Host of the Dysregulated Kids Podcast (Top 1% Globally)
Author of The Dysregulated Kid