“I can’t”
“I’ll never be able to”
“I always mess up”
These self talk messages are common among all of us. And they are dangerous. They are self-limiting and destroy self-esteem. Being aware that we are saying these things…to our self and others…is the first step in stopping negative thinking.
In reading “Giraffes Can’t Dance”, by Giles Andreae (this month’s featured author for the Virtual Book Club for Kids), I realized that the book would be an excellent way to discuss the power of negative self-talk and how to stop negative thinking. The giraffe in the book really wants to dance … but the animals tell him he can’t dance. And, he believes them. That is until a tiny friend challenges that thought.
The message is wonderful to talk about with children (at home, at school, or in therapy!). How saying someone can’t do something can be really hurtful…and how telling your self you can’t accomplish something can stop you from the possibility of even trying! When reading the book, ask your kids how they think the other animals are feeling.
