"All-or-nothing thinking" is a mindset trap where we can view situations in extremes. For example we think things are entirely good, or entirely bad, with no middle ground. Now, you can imagine why this type of thinking isn’t always helpful, but as with the other mindset traps, I actually think it’s more important to recognize WHY our brains engage in this type of thinking in the first place. Because again, as with the other traps, it’s perfectly normal that our brains do this. Let's continue our exploration of common mindset traps of life with teens and the empty nest!