Spend some time with your child thinking about thinking! The more we can focus kids on positive, resilient thinking the easier it is for them to handle everyday challenges.
What are thoughts? Where do they come from?
Who is in control of your thoughts?
Think about going to the doctor and getting a
shot. How do you feel when you think about this?
Now think about your birthday party with all your
friends and your favorite dessert. How do you feel now?
So, do our thoughts change how we feel? Yes!
Positive thoughts are thoughts that help you feel better.
Negative thoughts are thoughts that make you feel worse.
Are the following positive or negative ways of thinking?
• I’m good at things
• I always mess up
• I’m a good friend
• I’m giving up
• It’s okay to make mistakes
• I’m bad
• I can’t do this
• I can get better if I practice
• It’s unfair
• I can figure this out
• Things will be okay
Let’s say a negative and a positive thought we
can have about each situation:
1. Mom says ‘no’ to dessert. Negative____ Positive___
2. Your brother wins the board game. Negative____ Positive____
3. You’re learning something new and it’s really hard. Negative____ Positive____
4. Someone laughs behind you. Negative____ Positive____
Which makes you feel better, negative or positive thinking?
Will you use negative or positive thinking in the future?
Give one example of how you will use positive
thinking…