Thinking Errors (For Kids)

This resource is not to be used to replace medical advice or come to a conclusion or diagnosis. Medical and mental health professionals should be consulted if you have questions regarding this information.

1. “Should” or “Must”. Believe things have to be a certain way.

   1. "I must do this to be successful."

   2. "They should be happy. I should not be sad."

2. Mind Reading. You think you know what someone else is thinking or why they do what they do without having more information.

   1. "They didn’t smile at me. They think I’m mean."

   2. "Mom didn’t pick me up from school. She thinks I’m not important."

3. Blow Things Up. It is made into a big deal or the worst thing ever when it is a small thing.

   1. "I didn’t get all the math problems right, I am a horrible student."

   2. "Mom said “No,” now my life is over."

4. Feelings as Facts. What you feel is the truth.

   1. "I feel terrible, so I must be a terrible friend."

   2. "I feel ignored, so I must not be wanted."

5. High Standards. You must be perfect in everything you do, or you are not good.

   1. "If the popular kids don’t accept me, I’m never going to be good enough."

   2. "I have to read 10 books this month, or I’m a loser."

6. Ignore the Good. A focus on the bad things, and ignoring the good things.

   1. "I missed the catch, and only focus on how bad I played."

   2. "There are all As on the report card and only one B, but all you can see is the

      lower grade and how bad it feels."

7. Fortune Telling. You know what will happen in the future and look for it to be bad.

   1. "If I ask for the new shoes I need, the answer will be no."

   2. "I know mom won’t let me go on the field trip."

8. Negative Belief. Your negative belief applies to you and everything you do.

   1. "I’m so stupid. Everything I say is dumb."

   2. "I’m an idiot so they don’t ask me to join them."

9. Self-Blaming. Blaming yourself for anything that goes wrong, even if you had nothing to do with it.

   1. "My dad is upset, I know it’s my fault he comes home angry."

   2. "My mom dropped the jar. I probably caused that."

10. Always or Never. Thinking things or people always or never do anything, which is untrue. They may do it often or occasionally.

    1. "You always give my brother more money for chores."

    2. "They never include me when playing ball."