Positive Self-Talk and Problem-Solving
Talk to yourself like you'd talk to a friend.
Practicing positive self-talk can be a powerful tool to support mental health, both for you and for your child.
When negative thoughts about yourself arise, try this simple exercise to shift the focus to something more positive about yourself; something we often do for our friends and loved ones.
In the steps below, use the examples for yourself or to guide your child through the exercise.
Click here to download this simple exercise to work through on your own or with your child.
Steps
Notice your negative thought(s).
Think of someone you care about (such as your best friend or someone in your family).
Imagine that the person you chose in Step 2 is saying your negative thought(s) about themself. How would you respond?
Now, use what you would say to that person you care about and say that back to yourself.
Going further
If your child likes writing or journaling, you can also work through these journal prompts together. Check in over time and help them notice patterns in their negative thoughts (what the thoughts are about, when they occur, specific people around whom they occur, etc.)
What is the negative thought that I am having?
What caused this thought? (Think about what was going on, who you were with, where you were, etc.)
Who is someone I care about a lot? Would I say this to my friend/someone I really care about? (This is a good reflection for teens to start thinking about showing more kindness and compassion to themselves. We are often much kinder and more respectful to those we care about than we are to ourselves.)
What would I say to them if they had that negative thought about themselves?
Last updated April 2024.
Overview
For: Parents and Caregivers
Ages: K-12
Resource Type: Tips
