Thought Detective
If you think “I’m not safe,” your feeling might be…
Scared/anxious
Name 2 body clues that tell you you’re getting upset.
Possible answers: Heart racing, tight muscles, stomach hurt, etc.
Someone raises their voice but no one is getting hurt. Safe or not safe?
*This is tricky!
It's maybe safe, but uncomfortable?
Best coping skill when your body is too full of energy?
movement (jumping, stretching)
Why do brains remember scary things so strongly?
To keep us safe in the future
If you feel scared, your body might want to…
run / hide / freeze
Your body feels wiggly, fast, and out of control. Is this more likely ADHD energy or danger response—or both?
Both
You remember something scary from the past. Are you in danger right now?
*Bonus question: Does a memory mean you're currently in danger?
No!
Memory ≠ current danger
Best coping skill when your thoughts are scary?
thought changing / self-talk
What’s the difference between a memory and something happening right now?
Memory = past, not current danger
Change this thought to a helpful one: “Everything is dangerous.”
Possible answer: "Some things are safe right now."
If your body reacts like you're in danger, but you're actually safe, what is your brain doing?
Trying to protect you
If your brain feels scared but nothing dangerous is happening, what should you check?
Look around / check for real safety clues
Best coping skill when your body feels panicky?
deep breathing / grounding
If a kid saw fighting before, why might they feel unsafe even in a calm place?
The brain learned to expect danger
True or False: Thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected.
True
Why might your body react fast even if you don’t want it to?
Because the brain learned from past scary experiences
Is it your job to fix unsafe situations between adults?
NO
Why might one coping skill not work every time?
different problems need different tools
What makes someone a “safe adult”? Name 2 things.
Possible answers: Listens, helps, keeps you safe, doesn’t hurt others, etc.
Why is it helpful to change your thoughts?
Because it can change feelings and actions
What’s one way to help your body calm down when it’s in “alarm mode”?
Possible answers: Deep breathing, grounding, movement, etc.
Why is it important to tell a safe adult even if you're not sure something is unsafe?
Because they help figure it out and keep you safe
When is the BEST time to practice coping skills?
when calm (so your brain learns it)
What would you tell another kid who feels scared but is actually safe?
Encourage self-talk, checking safety, getting help