Flexibility

Flexibility is “adjusting to change with a good attitude.” 

A palm tree survives heavy storms because it bends with the wind instead of breaking under pressure. Similarly, you can show flexibility by adjusting to change the best you can and making the most of each situation. 

Even when you can’t control your circumstances, you can control how you respond. For example, what do you do when you plan to hang out with friends, but your mom needs you to go with her to the store instead? Or you expect to do something special for your birthday, but you are sick and have to stay in bed? Instead of complaining and feeling sorry for yourself, flexibility means looking on the bright side and rearranging your plans. 

Flexibility does not mean you should go along with everything or everybody. If someone pressures you to do something wrong, tell them, “No I can’t do that,” and walk away. Like a tree firmly rooted in the ground, always hold on to what is true and right.

I Will

1. Anticipate change.
2. Adjust when needed.
3. Look for the benefits.
4. Finish the job.
5. Do what is right.

Discussion Starters:

• How can change be a positive thing?
• In what ways should you NOT change?
• Imagine you are planning to spend the afternoon with friends, but your parents need you to do something else. How should you respond?

(Permission granted to reproduce this lesson for educational use. Credit: CharacterFirstEd.com) 

Downloads

Supplement the curriculum with these reproducible sheets.
(Click each link to open or save PDF)

• 54th Regiment Story
• Family Connection
• Family Connection - Spanish
• Flexibili-Feet Activity
• Hummingbird Coloring Page
• Winds of Change Activity