For example, if your child is worried about making friends at a new school, her possible line of thinking is that she can’t do this, she misses her old friends, and how she would hate going to school if she has no friends. So, instead of allowing her this inner torture, teach her how to problem solve. Pinpoint all the ways that she can make friends, and have her focus on the joy of getting to know some new kids.
Create positive note cards
Help your child remember positive thoughts by printing helpful statements on index cards that can be carried in a pocket or backpack. The messages should be customised to whatever current worries your child has. They can be messages such as:
- “Mum always picks me up after school.”
- “I am fine all day at school.”
- “I can make new friends today.”
- “I have learned new things before, and I can learn today, too.”
Great new habits
Many adults still wallow in negative thinking. So, teaching your child from a young age to direct thoughts in a more positive way is a valuable life skill.
Elizabeth Pantley is a mother of four, grandmother, and author of the bestselling book, The No-Cry Sleep Solution plus 8 other books in the No-Cry Solution Series which helps Mums and Dads through all key stages of parenting.
Visit her at NoCrySolution.com | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram | WordPress | Amazon | KidsInTheHouse
