ANT Invasion: A Book and Game about Automatic Negative Thoughts for Children
- Tasha Milligan
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
ANT Invasion is an engaging book and interactive game designed to help children identify and transform automatic negative thoughts. The story centers on a young boy troubled by intrusive thoughts, who discovers that he can "blow up" these negative ideas by speaking truth to them. Ultimately, he learns effective skills to find peace and quiet his mind.
Negative self-talk is a frequent problem for adults and children alike. Cognitive behavioral therapy has a long history of providing relief through skills such as thought stopping and replacement techniques. However, introducing these skills to children can be a challenge. That is why I have created interactive books and games that help children learn and understand these skills in a relevant, memorable, and engaging way. The imagery is designed to provide concrete examples of abstract ideas. The beauty is that once children learn these skills, they can apply them as well as adults can.
The game encourages children to recognize their self-talk, practice replacing negative thoughts, and provides a variety of supports and coping strategies throughout their journey. For children who struggle with negative self-talk, this resource is highly effective and well-received.
Topics Include:
See the Light - These game cards focus on a positive mindset. Kids will be challenged to find the best-case scenario and to see the good that comes out of even difficult situations.
Truth Bombs - These powerful cards help children learn how to speak truth to intrusive, negative thoughts that pop into their minds.
Thought Life - These cards help children become aware of various types of thoughts and how to distinguish between thoughts and feelings.
Down Time - Coping skills are introduced to help children redirect ruminating thoughts.
Picture This - Visualization skills are presented to help children learn to focus their minds on a calming, peaceful scene.
Stop Thoughts - Thought-stopping and replacement techniques are offered to help children shut down intrusive thoughts.
Self-Protection - Children will be challenged to create a safety plan to help stop worrisome thoughts.
Comfort - Kids will identify sources of comfort to bring relief when intrusive thoughts come.
You can find these resources below:
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