Thinking patterns are familiar mental models that help us process information quickly. But they can also often limit perception and lead to erroneous conclusions. For children who are just beginning to develop their understanding of the world, it is important to develop the ability to go beyond any template. In this article, we'll look at how to support your child in this process and help them develop flexible thinking.
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What are thought patterns
Thinking patterns are stable and familiar ways in which a person processes information, perceives the world and makes decisions. These mental models help us quickly navigate complex reality, but can sometimes lead to cognitive biases and errors in judgment.
Main characteristics of thought patterns
Automatism
Thinking patterns often work automatically without conscious human control. This saves time and energy when processing information.
Simplification
They help simplify complex situations by reducing them to more understandable and manageable categories or rules.
Stereotyping
Patterns can be based on stereotypes or preconceptions, which sometimes lead to erroneous conclusions.
Influence on behavior
These mental models usually have a strong influence on our behavior and decisions, determining how we respond to different situations.
Cognitive biases
Sometimes thought patterns lead to a distorted perception of reality, causing errors in judgment or decision making.
10 popular thinking patterns
Here are 10 common thought patterns.
No.1. Black and white thinking
The tendency to see situations at extremes, without taking into account intermediate options. For example, a person thinks that if they're not perfect at something, they've completely failed.
#2. Catastrophization
Expecting the worst-case scenario without sufficient reason.
#3. Personalization
The tendency to take responsibility for events that are beyond a person's control.
#4. Confirmation effect
Seeking information that confirms pre-existing beliefs while ignoring contrary evidence.
#5. Synthesis
The fact that a person draws conclusions based on one or more similar cases. For example, a couple of failures are seen as a sign that you're a “loser in life.”
#6. Filtering
Focusing only on the negative aspects of the situation while ignoring the positive aspects.
#7. Emotional reasoning
The belief that if something feels a certain way, it must be true.
#8. The illusion of control
Belief in the ability to control events that are actually beyond a person's zone of influence.
#9. An all-or-nothing mental trap
The vision of the world through the prism of “all or nothing”, where intermediate options are not considered.
#10. Overgeneralization
Applying one experience or event to all similar situations without taking into account context and differences.
How to get out of thinking patterns and help your child do it
Here are a few tips:
Awareness
The first step is to acknowledge the existence of thought patterns. Talk to your child about examples of situations where the template might affect them and how this affects their perception.
Questions to yourself
Encourage your child to ask questions about their thoughts and beliefs. For example, “Why do I think so?” or “Are there other ways to look at this situation?”
Critical thinking
Exercises to analyze information and evaluate arguments help develop the ability to think objectively.
Free consciousness
Meditation and mindfulness techniques allow you to treat your own thoughts without judgment, which contributes to clearer perception.
Openness to new ideas
Reading books, watching movies or participating in discussions on various topics — all this broadens your horizons and helps you see the world from different points of view.
Role playing
Role playing allows children to try on different roles and scenarios. This develops flexible thinking.
feedback
Talk to your child about their thoughts, highlighting strengths and suggesting areas for improvement.
Let's show an example
Lead by example how you deal with your own thinking patterns and stay open to new ideas.
Yes to self-expression!
Encourage your child to share thoughts, ideas, and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.
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