This week we talked about how to use positive self-talk to calm down when we are anxious about something. This is important because when children have strong feelings, they have a harder time thinking clearly and paying attention. Negativity makes strong feelings even worse. Positive thinking helps divert children's attention and helps them manage their feelings better.
Here's what we practiced:
If we feel angry about something, we do the steps for calming down.
1. Put hands on tummy and say, "Stop!"
2. Name my feeling.
3. Take belly breaths.
4. Use positive self-talk.
The positive self talk means we are speaking quietly to ourselves and thinking positive (GOOD!) things. We know it's OK to feel the way we do, but we look "on the bright side" of things and don't let negative thinking weigh us down and make us feel worse.
Here are some scenarios you can practice at home. Remember to practice the steps for calming down, but focus on POSITIVE self-talk.
* Someone cuts in front of you in line. You start to think negative thoughts. What is something positive you can say to yourself instead?
* It's almost your turn to read in front of the class (or, for adults, in front of your workplace). You start to think negative thoughts about being embarrassed or messing up. What is something positive you can say to yourself instead?
* You are trying to finish work and people around you are super loud. You start to think negative thoughts about how inconsiderate they are and how you can't concentrate. What is something positive you can say instead?
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