Flexible parenting combined with powerful listening helps parents break through tough parenting moments and unhealthy patterns.

Note: While flexibility is the basis of this parenting style, clear limits, expectations, and rules are still important. 

Try asking yourself these questions the next time you’re in one of those tough moments. You’ll better understand your child and their needs. You’ll get unstuck and diffuse negative emotions. Plus, you’ll be on the path to a win-win solution. 

• Does my child need something different from me right now? (a hug, attention, help with organization, etc.)
• Is this a pattern of behavior or a very rare thing? (If it’s a pattern, a different strategy might work better. If it’s rare, your child might need a little flexibility this time.)
• What are the benefits of being flexible right now?
• What are the consequences of being flexible right now?
• Is there another way I could talk to my child?
• Is there another strategy I could try?

A flexible parenting mindset has been shown to reduce children’s anxiety and depression. It also increases communication, self-esteem, imagination, and overall positivity in children.

For more on flexible thinking, and how to foster it in your household, check out this PBS article.