977-Empowering Children for Life: The Key to Psychological Flexibility

Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

### Summary of the Video: "Creating Psychological Flexibility in Children"

**Introduction to Psychological Flexibility**

- **Definition**: Psychological flexibility involves being aware of the present moment and making conscious choices from available options to handle situations effectively.

- **Importance for Children**: Teaching children psychological flexibility helps them manage emotions and behaviors, improving their overall well-being and resilience.

**Vulnerabilities Affecting Psychological Flexibility**

- **Physical States**: Tiredness, malnutrition, hunger, stress, sickness, and pain can impair a child's ability to be psychologically flexible.

- **Good Habits**: Establishing routines, particularly around sleep and nutrition, helps children maintain a stable emotional state and better handle stress.

**Building Psychological Flexibility in Children**

- **Early Education**: Start teaching good habits like sleep hygiene and nutrition early on. Use routines and explain the benefits of these habits to children.

- **Positive Health Behaviors**: Encourage activities like regular exercise, proper handwashing, and balanced nutrition to support physical and mental health.

**Cognitive Techniques for Psychological Flexibility**

- **Mindfulness**: Teach children to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Use metaphors like "thoughts as passing clouds" to help them understand the transient nature of emotions.

- **Cognitive Diffusion**: Help children unhook from negative thoughts by recognizing them as temporary and not defining their identity.

- **Acceptance**: Encourage acceptance of situations and feelings as they are, focusing on what can be controlled and changed.

**Practical Activities and Metaphors**

- **Behavioral Matrix**: Use a matrix to help children identify behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that drain their energy versus those that support their goals and values.

- **Analogies**: Use simple analogies like a cell phone battery to explain energy management and the impact of different activities on their well-being.

**Dealing with Distress**

- **Objective Evaluation**: Teach children to objectively assess situations and their reactions, identifying helpful versus unhelpful responses.

- **Response Options**: Help them brainstorm alternative responses that align with their values and goals, encouraging proactive rather than reactive behavior.

**Empowering Children with Choice**

- **Empowerment**: Empower children by showing them that they have choices in how they respond to situations, promoting a sense of control and self-efficacy.

- **Preventive Strategies**: Maintain a visible prevention matrix to remind children of their healthy options and strategies to manage stress.

### Major Time Points and Descriptions

0:00 - Introduction to Psychological Flexibility

2:30 - Vulnerabilities Affecting Flexibility

7:00 - Building Good Habits

14:45 - Cognitive Techniques

21:00 - Dealing with Distress and Empowerment

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices