Cognitive Behavioral Strategies for Littles

Take a chomp out of negative thinking as early as the preschool years...and do it in a fun way! Give kids a great start at learning how to balance their thinking. It's a gift that will last a lifetime.

I've been honored to have a front row seat in the lives of countless children and families, and work beside them as they learned new ways to navigate the little and not so little upsets in life. Being able to balance our thoughts, and hence, our feelings (no matter our age) is a huge boon to our well-being! 

What Parents and Educators Can Do to Help

Providing empathy to kids is a critical first piece,

"That had to be so upsetting!" 

"That was really hard for you." 

"That felt really disappointing."

"It hardly seemed fair, the way you were treated."

If that feels a bit foreign, be sure to check out BLOOM to learn strategies and the actual words to say when kids are dealing with big emotional upsets. 

Now, It's Time to Strategize

Once we empathize, it's time to provide some strategies that help reduce the emotional fallout. It's one of the reasons so many resources I share get to the heart of the matter on helping kids change their thinking. 

Cognitive behavioral strategies can help young kids by teaching them how to:

1. Identify and change negative thought patterns.

2. Manage emotions effectively.

3. Develop problem-solving skills. 

Help Kids Say "Later Gator" to Negative Thinking

By using techniques such as cognitive restructuring and thought replacement, children can learn to cope with stress, anxiety, and other challenges in a constructive way. These strategies empower kids to build resilience, improve self-esteem, and enhance overall well-being as they navigate through their formative years.

Through consistent guidance and encouragement, young kids can build a strong foundation for lifelong mental wellness and success.

Our newest resource has been field-tested for two years and is a play-based way to incorporate CBT skill-building into therapy. It doesn't stop there...because CBT skills benefit anyone with a brain...from the preschool years and throughout the lifespan! 

Just $3.99

Instant Download No physical product will be shipped.

What's Included:

🌴Full color printable to create the Alligator Chomp pocket holder.

🌴A dozen prompts and a blank template to create as many personalized prompts you care to!

🌴Complete directions to assemble and and suggestions for game play. 

Just $3.99

Instant Download No physical product will be shipped.

Join the Kidlutions Family

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If you aren't already part of the Kidlutions' Family, sign up HERE to get the motherlode of free printables and resources!

Until next time,

Wendy Young, LMSW, BCD, is the founder of Kidlutions and co-author of BLOOM: 50 Things to Say, Think and Do with Anxious, Angry and Over-the-Top Kids, co-creator of BLOOM Brainsmarts, and creator of The Joyful Parent. She is the author of numerous workbooks and resources to help from the preschool through the teen years. 

Follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! You can also find her @thetenacioustherapist on Instagram, where she helps other therapists create a life they love. She'd love to see your smiling face there! Affiliate links may be used in this post. Please see our full disclaimer, located at the top of our page for more information.