A child who isn't getting along with another child says: "She either wants to be my best friend,or doesn't want to be friends at all!" By reducing the range of options to just two extremes,this child is engaging in a common thinking error referred to as:

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The thinking error described in the scenario is referred to as a false dilemma or a black-and-white thinking error. This is the tendency to view a situation in terms of only two extremes or options, ignoring any middle ground or alternative possibilities. The child in the scenario is presenting a false dilemma by suggesting that the other child must either be their best friend or not be friends at all, when in reality there may be other possibilities for their relationship.

A Child Who Isn't Getting Along with Another Child Says