About Flexible Thinking
If you are unsure about a situation, what can you do?
Talk to an adult or another friend.
Ask the person directly and maybe they can tell you what is going on.
Miss Judith wanted to continue to play video games at home, but her kids wanted to eat dinner. Judith pauses or saves her game so she can get dinner prepared.
Flexible. Judith realized that she could go back and play her game later.
You loan your friend five dollars to get something at the school store but they don't give you the five dollars back the next week. Why do you think this is? Demonstrate flexible thinking.
He forgot to give it to you the next day.
He didn't know that you wanted the five dollars back. He thought you were just being nice.
He had to wait until his mom paid him his allowance
Your parent asks you to stop playing video games. Why might they ask you to do this?
They want you to do something outside.
They want your help with something.
It is time to do school work or chores.
Your class was supposed to go outside for P.E., but it starts raining and the teacher says you'll stay inside and do a yoga video instead. What are some flexible ways you can respond.
"That’s not what I expected, but at least we still get to move around."
"I’ve never tried yoga before—maybe it will be fun."
"I’m disappointed, but I’ll try to enjoy it anyway."
Why is it important to think of different perspectives?
Everyone thinks differently. Just because one person thinks something, it doesn't make it true. Our perspective is not the only perspective. To have positive relationships, we have to consider everyone's point of view.
Sarah notices her friend is upset after a math test. She wonders if the math test was hard for her or if she's having a bad day. She goes over to talk to her.
Flexible. She considers why her friend might be upset and then goes to talk to her directly.
You are talking with a friend online during game when they suddenly log off.
Why do you think this is?
They remembered they were supposed to do something and needed to leave.
Someone called them away.
They had internet issues.
Their mom told them to get off.
You notice that someone has been in your room. Why do you think this is?
They were looking for you and didn’t realize you weren’t there.
They were helping with something, like cleaning or putting something away
They were trying to surprise you with something (a note, gift, or decoration).
You wanted to work with your friend for a group project, but your teacher assigns you to a different group.
"It’s okay. I can work well with other people too."
"This might help me get to know someone new."
"We’ll still get to hang out at lunch—I’ll focus on the project for now."
How can two people think differently about the same situation?
We have different upbringings and experiences, so we see the world differently. We believe in different values sometimes. That is what makes us all different.
Marcos' teacher wants to talk to him after class. He stays so he can find out why, since he isn't sure.
Flexible. He didn't rush to judgement about why his teacher wants to talk to him.
You are talking with your friend about your dog and they start crying. Why might this happen?
Her dog is sick or passed away.
She wants a dog but doesn't have one.
She is upset about something else.
It is your birthday and your dad asks you to go wait in your room for ten minutes.
They are getting your present ready.
People are hiding to surprise you.
In BUDS you advocate to play a specific game, but your choice doesn't get picked this time.
"I’ll go with their choice today—maybe next time we can play mine."
"I’ve never played this one before. I’ll give it a try."
"It’s more fun when everyone gets a turn picking."
How can flexible thinking skills help you?
Flexible thinking skills help you deal with problems. Not everyone thinks the same way.
Miss Arie gets mad at her friend when she does not answer her text right away.
Rigid: She is mad right away without thinking WHY her friend isn't answering her.
You ask a friend to borrow a pencil and they say no.
They might need it for the moment.
They may only have one pencil.
They may be worried you will lose it.
You planned to watch your favorite show, but your sibling is already using the TV. What are some flexible reasons this might have happened?
They didn’t realize you had planned to use it.
They had a rough day and wanted to relax too.
They thought you’d be okay watching it later or on another device.
Your teacher asks to talk to you after class. Why might they have done that?
To give you a compliment on your effort, participation, or recent work.
To offer help or check in if they noticed you seemed quiet or distracted.
To clarify something from class that may have been confusing.
To share an opportunity, like a club, leadership role, or recommendation.
What does it mean to be a flexible thinker?
A flexible thinker is someone who can see different sides of a situation. They can think in many different ways.
Mr. Roberto is worried about an upcoming test in school and didn't do well on his last practice quiz.
Rigid Thinking. He is assuming he will not do well on test.
Your friend is whispering something to someone else. When you get close they stop. Why might this have happened?
They were sharing a surprise (maybe even for you) and didn’t want to ruin it.
The conversation was private or personal and not meant for more people.
They were talking about something awkward or embarrassing, but not about you.
They paused out of habit or politeness, not secrecy.
They were venting about something emotional and didn’t feel ready to explain.
You were planning to have your favorite leftovers for dinner, but when you open the fridge… they’re gone.
Someone didn’t know they were saved for you and thought they were up for grabs.
A family member had a tough day and ate them for comfort.
The food might have gone bad and someone threw it out.
A sibling meant to save some for you but forgot.
The label or message wasn’t clear that they were yours.
You’re about to present your project and the smartboard or computer isn’t working.
"That’s frustrating, but I can stay calm while the teacher figures it out."
"I can explain my project out loud instead—there’s more than one way to share it."
"It’s okay—tech problems happen to everyone sometimes."