---
title: "Positive Self-Talk"
description: "Use positive self-talk to manage difficult situations — replacing unhelpful thoughts like 'I'm stupid' or 'I'll never be able to do this' with encouraging ones like 'This is hard but I can keep trying"
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: 2026-10-19
---

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# Positive Self-Talk

Use positive self-talk to manage difficult situations — replacing unhelpful thoughts like 'I'm stupid' or 'I'll never be able to do this' with encouraging ones like 'This is hard but I can keep trying' or 'I've done hard things before'

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 the words we say to ourselves affect how we feel and perform

## Lesson: Talking to Yourself the Kind Way

The voice in your head talks to you all day, especially when something feels hard. Sometimes that voice is unhelpful. It says things like 'I'm stupid' or 'I'll never get this.' You can catch that voice and swap in something more helpful.

*(drawing: The swap in the middle is the whole trick. You catch the unhelpful thought, trade it for a kind one, and keep going.)*

**Example.** Mia is stuck on a hard math problem. Her first thought is 'I'm terrible at math.' She catches that thought and says instead, 'This is hard, but I can keep trying.'

The words you use with yourself change how you feel and how you do. Harsh words make you want to quit. Encouraging words help you keep going, even when it's tough.

**Tip.** When you catch an unhelpful thought, ask yourself: what would I say to a friend who felt this way? Then say that kind thing to yourself.

**Example.** Jonah forgets his lines in the school play and thinks 'I always mess things up.' Then he remembers he has done hard things before, like learning to ride a bike. He tells himself, 'I can handle mistakes.'

**Recap.** Catch the unhelpful thought, then swap it for one that helps you keep trying.

## 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)
- [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)