Changing My Thoughts Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to support a much wider discussion with children about the way in which their thoughts can effect their feelings. They can think about how negative thoughts have impacted their emotions and can then think about alternative thoughts they can have that might change their emotions for the positive.

To support a child to change their thoughts to help change how they feel you can try to help them in:

1. 1) Identifying negative thoughts: Pay attention to your thoughts and become aware of any negative or unhelpful patterns. Notice when negative thoughts arise and how they contribute to your emotions.

2. 2) Challenging negative thoughts: Once you've identified negative thoughts, challenge their accuracy and validity. Ask yourself if there is evidence supporting or contradicting these thoughts. Consider alternative perspectives or explanations for the situation.

3. 3) Replacing with positive or realistic thoughts: Generate positive or realistic thoughts to replace the negative ones. Focus on thoughts that are more helpful, balanced, and aligned with evidence. For example, if your negative thought is "I'm a failure," replace it with "I have had successes in the past, and I can learn from my mistakes."

4. 4) Practicing affirmations and positive self-talk: Use affirmations or positive self-talk to reinforce positive thoughts and beliefs. Repeat affirmations or encouraging statements to yourself regularly. This can help reshape your thinking patterns over time.

5. 5) Cognitive reframing: Reframe the way you interpret situations by changing your perspective. Instead of viewing a situation as a problem, try to see it as a challenge or an opportunity for growth. Look for silver linings or potential lessons in difficult circumstances.

6. 6) Seeking support: Share your thoughts and concerns with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. They can provide an outside perspective, offer support, and help challenge negative thoughts.

7. 7) Practicing mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques to observe your thoughts without judgment. Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to respond to them in a more intentional and constructive way.

Clipart images courtesy of Kari Bolt Clip Art

Included is 1 PDF printable worksheet with 2 versions; 1 for a boy and 1 for a girl