Episode 8: Flexible Thinking: Helping Kids See the Bigger Picture

In this episode of ADHD Connect, Dr. Tish Taylor explores the importance of flexible thinking in children and teens with ADHD. Many kids with ADHD struggle with black-and-white thinking—seeing things as either all good or all bad, fair or unfair, right or wrong. This kind of rigid thinking often fuels emotional outbursts, frustration, and conflict, even as kids get older.

Dr. Taylor shares three common real-life examples—feeling lied to, thinking something’s unfair, or believing “I’m just bad”—and explains how these patterns are rooted in cognitive rigidity.

You’ll learn practical, developmentally appropriate strategies to help your child move from either/or thinking to “gray zone” thinking. Dr. Taylor also walks through helpful tools like active listening, using visual metaphors (like a telescope!), and separating thoughts from feelings—all of which can build flexibility and resilience.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or clinician, this episode offers grounded insight and hope for helping kids learn to see the bigger picture, manage their emotions, and connect more effectively with others.

Looking for practical tools to support your child’s flexible thinking and emotional growth?
Visit the ADHD Store for printable guides, visual supports, and parent-friendly resources designed to help kids build self-awareness, manage big emotions, and develop real-world coping skills.

Start exploring today at TishTaylor.com/adhd-store — everything is created with busy parents and growing minds in mind!