Partway through some games the rule changes without warning: what worked before stops working. How a child notices the change and adapts is one of the most studied parts of executive function.
The four flexibility markers
| Marker | Name | What the game watches | In everyday life, it might look like |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Switching | How smoothly they move to a new rule | Moving from play to homework |
| F2 | Rule learning | How quickly they spot what changed | Picking up the rules of a new game |
| F3 | Error correction | What they do right after a mistake | Trying a different way after getting a sum wrong |
| F4 | Plan holding | How long they stick with what works | Keeping to a plan while a task is still working |
Where you might notice flexibility at home
- How they cope when plans change at the last minute.
- Whether they try a new approach when the first one fails.
- How easily they move between activities.
What this does not tell you
- It describes what your child did in the game, on that day. Sleep, mood and the device all affect one session.
- It is not a measure of intelligence, character or effort in school.
- It does not diagnose anything. If something worries you, talk to your pediatrician.
- These measures are still being validated against established clinical tools. See the research.
Common questions
- What is cognitive flexibility in kids?
- It is the ability to switch between rules, tasks or ways of thinking. It develops through childhood and is one of three core executive functions, alongside working memory and inhibitory control.
- How can I build flexibility at home?
- Games that change rules, such as card games with variations, talking through a plan B, and small, predictable changes to routine all give children practice at adjusting.
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Not a diagnosis. This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your child, talk to your pediatrician. Written by the Mores Health team from the sources below; it has not yet been reviewed by a clinician.