Validate, empathise and reframe

Acknowledge and validate feelings

Let them know you understand how they feel.

Tell them it's okay to find new routines challenging or to feel worried when trying something different.

Don't dismiss their struggles

Phrases like "You’ll be fine" can make a child feel unheard. Instead, acknowledge their feelings with phrases like, "It's hard when things don't go as planned. It can make us cross."

Respect black-and-white thinking

Remember that some people see things in very clear-cut ways.

It’s important to accept this instead of trying to change how they think right.

Meet them where they are and gently help them see other viewpoints over time.

See ‘rigid thinking’ as a strength

Help your child, and those around them, to see how qualities like deep focus, consistency and perseverance, often associated with rigid thinking, can be valuable skills.