Contexts when it is appropriate for a child to seek change         

• When choosing to focus on speed and novelty
• When choosing to meet new people
• When choosing to explore new experiences, opportunities and ideas

For example,

• Working at pace – scanning, skimming, note taking
• Setting aspirant goals and targets
• Relaxing and allowing their mind to wander
• Purposefully doing something to take their mind off something else
• Doing something, even though the outcome is unpredictable
• Taking opportunities and considered risks
• Stopping something that isn’t working and starting again
• Being creative
• Working with new and unfamiliar materials and approaches
• Thinking of an alternative approach to doing something
• Taking on a new responsibility
• Having a go at a new activity or skill
• Working with different people
• Introducing themselves to someone new

Contexts when it is appropriate for a child to limit change

• When choosing to focus on detail and precision
• When choosing to build consistent and sustained friendships
• When choosing to resist new experiences, opportunities and ideas

For example,

• Withdrawing from a situation which leaves them feeling unsettled or uneasy
• Withdrawing from a situation which although exciting suggests danger or risk
• Developing consistent routines and habits e.g. making bed, packing back the night before
• Checking work conscientiously
• Sticking to set methods and procedures in learning tasks, not cutting corners
• Listening carefully and checking they know what to do
• Focusing, not being distracted
• Persevering, not giving up
• Being cautious when presented with a new idea or approach
• Developing an idea to a deeper level
• Having fewer but more consistent relationships
• Committing to friendships and working through conflict