Flexibility in colder weather

As after-school schedules shift into winter, schoolwork ramps up, and daylight fades, routines that worked in September and October may start to feel strained. This is a great time to help students practice a key executive function skill: flexible thinking. It’s the ability to adapt, problem-solve, and stay calm when things change.

Here are a few ways parents can help foster flexible thinking:

• Acknowledge the change. Even small seasonal shifts can throw off rhythms. Naming what’s different (“Homework feels heavier now that practice is later”) normalizes the challenge.
• Brainstorm together. When something stops working, ask: “What else could we try?” instead of rushing to fix it. This models problem-solving and collaboration.
• Use “yet” language. “You haven’t figured out this new routine yet” reinforces growth mindset and resilience.
• Make flexibility visible. Share when you need to pivot too—like changing your workout time or cooking dinner earlier. Kids learn adaptability by seeing it.

By practicing flexible thinking, students learn that change doesn’t have to derail progress. It can simply be a new opportunity to find what works best for right now.