Let’s go step by step to solve this task.
The worksheet is about “Problematic Thinking Habits” — these are thoughts that are too extreme, rigid, or unfair to ourselves or others. They can make us feel anxious, sad, or angry. The goal is to notice when we think this way and change those thoughts into healthier ones.
We’re given 20 examples of problematic thinking (like “I can’t stand it!” or “He ruined my life!”). Then, we’re shown two examples of how to turn them into healthy thinking:
- Problematic: *She made me feel that way!* → Healthy: *She can not control my feelings. Rather, I felt that way when she said that.*
- Problematic: *I can’t stand him!* → Healthy: *I am having a hard time dealing with him.*
Now, the task asks you to pick some of your own problematic thoughts from the list (or maybe even ones you have in real life) and rewrite them as healthier thoughts — just like the examples.
Since no specific thought was chosen for you, let’s pick one from the list and show you how to do it.
Let’s choose #3:
Problematic Thought: “He shouldn’t be that way!”
Why is this problematic?
It assumes someone else must act exactly how you want them to — which isn’t realistic. People are different, and trying to force them to change causes stress.
How to make it healthier:
Instead of saying what they “shouldn’t” do, focus on how you feel or what you can do. For example:
→ “I wish he acted differently, but I can’t control him. I’ll focus on how I respond.”
Another example — let’s take #13:
Problematic Thought: “Things are hopeless!”
Why is this problematic?
It’s all-or-nothing thinking. Even if things feel bad right now, they might get better. Saying “hopeless” shuts down any chance of improvement.
Healthier version:
→ “Things feel really hard right now, but I’ve gotten through tough times before. I’ll take small steps forward.”
You could also try #7:
Problematic Thought: “It’s terrible to be wrong!”
Healthier version:
→ “Being wrong doesn’t mean I’m a failure. It means I’m learning. Everyone makes mistakes.”
Or #19:
Problematic Thought: “I can’t help the way I act!”
Healthier version:
→ “Sometimes I react without thinking, but I can learn to pause and choose better responses.”
Remember: Healthy thinking is flexible, kind, and realistic. It doesn’t blame others completely, doesn’t say “never” or “always,” and gives room for growth.
Final Answer:
Here are three rewritten healthy thoughts based on problematic ones from the list:
1. Original: “He shouldn’t be that way!”
→ Healthy: “I wish he acted differently, but I can’t control him. I’ll focus on how I respond.”
2. Original: “Things are hopeless!”
→ Healthy: “Things feel really hard right now, but I’ve gotten through tough times before. I’ll take small steps forward.”
3. Original: “It’s terrible to be wrong!”
→ Healthy: “Being wrong doesn’t mean I’m a failure. It means I’m learning. Everyone makes mistakes.”
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of group therapy worksheets.
