Rigid thinking rarely gets you anywhere. It can cost you opportunities, relationships, and just make life less enjoyable. “Flexibility is one of the most beneficial attributes a parent can have when it comes to raising a child,” notes Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and faculty member at Columbia University. “Instead of situations only being black and white, flexible parents are able to be more responsive to their children and view situations from different perspectives.” This mindset, Hafeez notes, not only makes children feel better supported but allows parents to feel less stressed when things do not go as planned. So how do you develop a more flexible mindset? Here’s what to know.