Thought distortions are thoughts that we all have (even as adults!), and they can kick up more around stressful times like the first months of school.

Here are three common thought distortions, along with an example of what one might look like from your teenager. When you hear your teen using one of these thought distortions out loud, try one of the thought corrections to help reframe your teen’s thoughts.

The thought corrections follow a pattern of:

1. Acknowledge the feelings present; they are valid
2. Offer an alternative way to see the situation that leaves out the thought distortion
3. Engage in an action that helps move your teen from thinking to doing

All-or-Nothing: Thinking in extremes with no choice for middle ground.

Example: I don’t like my English teacher so I’m going to hate school.

Correction: I know you don’t like that teacher, and it can seem impossible to like school when you have to see them every day. Is there another teacher you do like? What if we talked through ways you might see that teacher more?

Catastrophizing: Making a leap from a thought to an extreme (unlikely) tragedy

Example: None of my friends are in my lunch. I’m never going to see them and they’re all going to start being friends without me and I’m going to never have friends and will die alone.

Correction: I’m sorry your friends aren’t in your lunch. That’s super stressful, I know. Rather than imagine you’ll die alone, how about if we focus on something you can do during lunch tomorrow, and maybe text/snap your friends a bit tonight?

Mind-Reading: Imagining/assuming rather than knowing what someone else is thinking.

Example: My coach loves [teammate] and thinks I’m so lazy!

Correction: I bet your coach does love [teammate]; they’re almost as amazing as you are. Let’s talk through why you think your coach thinks you’re lazy, because I can’t imagine Coach thinking that–remember how they complimented you at the last game?

About the Author, Dr. Myka Hansen, CEO of Teen Forward

This week’s blog post comes to you from Dr. Myka, the founder and CEO of Teen Forward and District Bliss Member.

Dr. Myka Hanson has spent the last 30 years working with teens and tweens in a variety of capacities and founded Teen Forward as a way to help parents, particularly parentpreneurs, navigate the obstacles of adolescence.

“Let’s see….fair to say I wouldn’t have a business without District Bliss?? District Bliss offers 24/7 support and motivation for my business, whether it’s live networking events and workshops or after-hours access to the collection of resources and trainings on any subject. I use District Bliss every day!!” – Dr. Myka Hansen, Teen Forward

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