Kid Basis

Tips to change negative thoughts to positive thoughts:

Tell them stop and focus on an activity or good things instead.

Replace a negative thought with a positive thought. Instead of saying "I can't", say "I can" or "I will do my best".

Instead of words that show weakness, fear, or sadness, use words that show strength, success, and happiness.

Question a negative thought or show that a negative thought is not true. Get the facts and you may find that a negative thought is wrong or unlikely. 

When you feel bad about not doing well, don't put yourself down. Think about what you could have done differently and work at it. Learn from your mistakes. Tell yourself, this is a time that I didn't do well, but I will work harder next time and do better. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is say that you tried, look forward, and think of another opportunity on the way. Keep trying to be the best you can be. 

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Tips to deal with worries:

When you worry about something, ask yourself what could happen and how would you handle it. You may realize that you can get through the experience no matter what. Take small steps to overcome fear or worries. Each time you do something that makes you a little less nervous, you take one step further to conquer your fear or worry.  

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Coping Thoughts:

Positive statements encourage us and help us cope through difficult times. We can say encouraging words to ourselves, and be our own personal coach.  We have survived difficult times before, and we can use those experiences to encourage us through current difficulties.  Write down a coping thought or positive statement for a difficult or distressing situation. This will be something you can tell yourself that will help you get through. You can write them down on paper and carry it in your pocket to help remind you.

Coping thoughts:

Stop, and breathe, I can do this.

This will pass.

I can be anxious/angry/sad and still deal with this.

I have done this before, and I can do it again.

This feels bad, but it’s a normal body reaction and it will pass.

This feels bad, but often feelings are wrong and things are not that bad.

These are just feelings and they will go away.

This won’t last forever.

Short term pain for long term gain.

I can feel bad and still choose to take a new and healthy direction.

I don’t need to rush, I can take things slowly.

I have survived before, I will survive now.

I feel this way because of my past experiences, but I am safe right now.

It’s okay to feel this way because it’s a normal reaction.

Right now, I am safe and not in danger. 

My mind is not always my friend.

Thoughts are just thoughts, and they’re not necessarily true or factual.

This is difficult and uncomfortable, but it’s only temporary.

I can use my coping skills and get through this.

I can learn from this and it will be easier next time.

Keep calm and carry on.