Mind Magic: Zapping Negative Thoughts

Mind Magic is a playful journal designed for children aged 8–11 to help them identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge negative thoughts, and build confidence and self-belief.

Created by a psychologist and educator with over 15 years’ experience, this journal combines fun, creative activities with evidence-based cognitive techniques to help kids spot their automatic negative thoughts (ANTs), reframe them with curiosity, and develop lifelong skills for positive thinking and self-worth.

Who is this journal for?

• Children aged 8–11 experiencing negative self-talk or self-doubt
• Kids who struggle with overthinking or worry
• Children learning to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns
• Kids seeking to build confidence and self-esteem
• Little overthinkers and perfectionists
• Parents wanting to support their child’s mental health and resilience
• Teachers and school counsellors addressing negative thinking in the classroom
• Therapists and mental health professionals working with children on cognitive skills
• Anyone supporting a child’s journey toward positive thinking and self-compassion

What’s inside

Mind Magic gently guides children through:

• Understanding negative thoughtsKid-friendly explanations of what negative thoughts are, why they happen, and how they affect feelings and behavior. Kids learn that everyone has negative thoughts—and that’s normal.
• Spotting ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts)Fun “thought detective” activities to help kids recognize their own automatic negative thoughts and unhelpful thinking patterns.
• Challenging and reframing thoughts: Creative, playful exercises to help kids question their negative thoughts, find evidence against them, and replace them with more balanced, empowering ones.
• Building cognitive flexibility: Activities that teach kids to see situations from different perspectives and develop more flexible, realistic thinking.
• Confidence and self-esteem boosters: Reflection prompts and exercises to help children recognize their strengths, celebrate their abilities, and build lasting self-belief.
• Self-compassion and kindness: Guided practices to help kids turn self-doubt into self-kindness and develop a more compassionate inner voice.
• Lifelong thinking skills: Tools and strategies kids can use throughout their lives to manage negative thoughts and maintain positive mental health.

The journal includes a mix of fun games, thought-busting activities, creative prompts, and reflection spaces—so it feels engaging and magical, not clinical.

Why this journal works

Mind Magic is grounded in real psychological practice and evidence-based approaches to children’s cognitive development.

• Designed by a psychologist and educator with over 15 years’ experience supporting children’s mental health
• Informed by evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), thought challenging, positive psychology, self-compassion, and social-emotional learning (SEL)
• Written in clear, accessible, child-friendly language – no jargon, no judgment
• Combines playful, creative activities with proven therapeutic techniques
• Treats negative thoughts as normal and manageable, not something to be ashamed of
• Focuses on building lifelong cognitive skills, not just managing negative thoughts in the moment
• Designed to be fun and engaging, so kids actually want to use it

How kids can use this journal

There is no “right” way to use Mind Magic. It’s designed to fit around real childhood.

Kids can:

• Work through the journal independently at their own pace
• Use it when they notice negative thoughts showing up
• Return to favorite activities whenever they need a confidence boost
• Pick and choose exercises that feel most helpful
• Draw, write, or express themselves in whatever way feels natural
• Track their progress and celebrate their growing thinking skills

Parents can:

• Work through activities together with their child
• Model positive thinking and thought-challenging in their own lives
• Use specific sections to address current worries or self-doubt
• Create a safe, judgment-free space for their child to explore their thoughts
• Celebrate their child’s growing confidence and self-belief

Teachers and school counsellors can:

• Integrate journal activities into SEL lessons and classroom discussions
• Use specific sections to support whole-class or individual student needs
• Recommend the journal to parents as a home extension of classroom learning
• Help kids develop positive thinking skills and cognitive flexibility

Therapists and mental health professionals can:

• Use the journal as a therapeutic tool between sessions
• Integrate CBT-based activities into counselling or therapy work
• Support children’s cognitive development in a structured, evidence-based way
• Track progress and celebrate growing thinking skills

Important notes

• This journal is not a replacement for therapy or professional support.
• It is a supportive tool that can sit alongside other help, giving children a structured, safe space for exploring and managing their thoughts.
• If a child is experiencing significant anxiety, depression, or persistent negative thinking, please reach out to a mental health professional.
• Every child is unique – activities can be adapted or modified to suit individual needs and preferences.

What makes Mind Magic different

Unlike generic positive thinking books, Mind Magic:

• Is evidence-based and psychologist-designed, drawing on real therapeutic approaches (CBT, thought challenging, positive psychology, self-compassion, SEL)
• Treats negative thoughts as normal and manageable, not something to “fix” or ignore
• Combines proven therapeutic techniques with playful, age-appropriate design
• Emphasizes building lifelong cognitive skills, not just temporary mood boosts
• Focuses on thought challenging and reframing, not just positive affirmations
• Includes fun, creative activities that kids actually enjoy
• Designed by someone with real experience supporting children, not generic parenting advice
• Helps kids develop cognitive flexibility and self-compassion, not just positive thinking