--- title: "Positive Self-Talk" description: "Use kind, realistic self-talk during difficult situations. Notice an unhelpful thought and choose words that support a next step, such as trying another way, taking a break or asking for help." canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/positive-self-talk-mt_35-DhMh_Yr source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/positive-self-talk-mt_35-DhMh_Yr.md retrieved: 2026-11-12 --- > **Agent view.** This is the Markdown twin of the page, for tools and assistants. > When to use this site, and the call that answers each job: https://lightmysky.com/agent-instructions.md > API description (OpenAPI 3.1): https://lightmysky.com/openapi.json · Authentication: https://lightmysky.com/auth.md > Pricing: https://lightmysky.com/pricing.md · Catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms.txt · Full catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms-full.txt > Every machine-readable file on this domain: https://lightmysky.com/.well-known/ai-catalog.json > Ask for Markdown with `Accept: text/markdown`, a `.md` address, or `?mode=agent`. # Positive Self-Talk Use kind, realistic self-talk during difficult situations. Notice an unhelpful thought and choose words that support a next step, such as trying another way, taking a break or asking for help. Subject: Personal & Social Development · Area: Self-Regulation & Resilience · Ages 7 to 9 Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/positive-self-talk-mt_35-DhMh_Yr ## Ready when they can - Give an example of an unhelpful thought and rephrase it as a helpful one - Use positive self-talk aloud or in writing when facing a challenge - Explain how self-talk can affect feelings and the next action they choose ## Lesson: Talking to yourself the kind way Self-talk is what you say to yourself, silently, aloud or in writing. Helpful self-talk uses kind, realistic words. 'I'm stupid' judges your whole self. 'This is hard. I can try one part' names the task and gives you a next step. *(drawing: Choose words that are kind and fit what is happening.)* **Example.** Mia cannot start a math task. She thinks she will never understand it. Then she says, 'I can ask my teacher to show me how to start.' Her words give her a next step. Self-talk can affect feelings and what you do next. A harsh label may leave you discouraged. Kind, realistic words can support trying, resting or asking for help. They do not promise success or make every feeling disappear. If a thought keeps upsetting you, tell a trusted grown-up. *(drawing: One mistake tells you what happened this time. It does not describe everything you do.)* To change an unhelpful thought, name this task or mistake instead of judging your whole self. Choose a next step: try another way, take a short break and return, or ask for help. You can also remember something you learned before. **Example.** Jonah forgets a line in the play. He remembers learning to ride his bike. He says, 'I have learned hard things before. I can practise this line with someone.' His words give him a next step. **Recap.** Notice an unhelpful thought. Choose kind, realistic words and a next step. You can still have feelings and ask for help. *Original lesson, questions and flashcards written for this learning dataset.* ## Practice 8 questions on this page, each with its working shown. ## Needs first - [Vocabulary for resilience and self-management](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/vocabulary-for-resilience-and-self-management-mt_i1kk9HDctI) - [Simple Calming Strategies](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/simple-calming-strategies-mt_Iwg2diBSyW) ## Optional connections - [Emotion Vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/emotion-vocabulary-mt_MOY_2Cqalz) - [Growth Mindset](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/growth-mindset-mt_pAuo9Op89t) ## Opens up - [Assertive Communication](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/assertive-communication-mt_rqLMfiw61L)