Rewiring the brain is one of the ways to cultivate flexibility in kids. It easier to do for younger kids as their brains are more adaptable. In fact, there’s no need for medication to change your kid’s brain. You just have to showcase your A-game parenting skills.
This is an opportunity for parents to shape their kid’s brain development through effective parenting strategies. Also, teaching them how to self-regulate can have a positive impact on their brain functioning and emotional well-being. In this episode, we will be focusing on rewiring the brain which is the second in a three-part series about cultivating flexibility in kids.
Flexibility in Kids: How to combat cognitive distortions
Some of our kids just don't perceive things accurately which is why we have to combat cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions happen due to various reasons.
Neurodevelopmental issues can affect how kids process and interpret information. This can result in cognitive distortions or difficulties in accurately perceiving and understanding their environment. Hence, creating a supportive and understanding environment can contribute to addressing cognitive distortions.
Considering that parents play a vital role in supporting their kid’s development and enabling them to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and thrive, parents should help their kids to see what they’re missing since oftentimes, they have a hard time seeing the end result. It’s also important to keep reinforcing the positive changes that you want your kids to achieve.
By providing guidance and support, parents can help broaden their kids' perspectives and develop a clearer understanding of the bigger picture. Also, consistently acknowledging and reinforcing positive changes can help kids build confidence and motivation to continue improving.
Building coping skills
As parents, we have to help our kids build their own coping skills. Coping skills are essential tools that enable us to effectively manage stress and challenges that we have to face. And so, we have to give our kids the necessary tools to face these hardships and improve their wellbeing by helping them develop their coping skills.
Encourage your kids to learn lessons from their setbacks and failures in order to help them develop resiliency. By guiding them, you can foster a growth mindset, teaching them that these setbacks are normal parts of life and can be good sources of learning.
It’s also important to calm the brain down to train the brain to be more flexible. The good news is we can do this through neurofeedback, biofeedback, and even our Calm PEMF device. We also have a Brain Behavior Reset Program wherein we regulate the brain to reinforce positive changes. Some people also do meditation, yoga, and a lot more options to calm their brain.
How to improve executive functioning.
Kids should have good executive functioning skills as these tell every part of the brain what to do. When a kid has good executive functioning, he or she is able to see the future or the end result.
Having good executive functioning skills is crucial for kids as these skills coordinate and regulate various cognitive processes in the brain. Executive functioning skills act as the “manager” of the brain, directing and organizing tasks, thoughts, and behaviors.
When a kid has good executive functioning skills, he or she is able to plan, set goals, and see the future or end result of their actions. These skills allow kids to make informed decisions, prioritize tasks, and work towards long-term goals. Engaging in activities that promote working memory, self-regulation, and cognitive flexibility, such as puzzles, games, and structured exercises, can help enhance these skills. Teach kids the significance of setting clear goals and help them define specific objectives.
I have a webinar and other resources that you can access for free if you’re interested in learning more.
For further information, you can read our blog posts about cultivating flexible thinking, dysregulated kids, and coping skills. If you have a kid dealing with anxiety, check out Anxiety Coping Skills For Teens.
Links and Resources:
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