Comments on: ‘Don’t Think of Pink Elephants!’ – The Secret to Replacing Negative Thinking With Brave Thinking

By: David D

David D — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 03:13:48 +0000

Some great ideas here. As a YMCA gymnastics leader we’d have 5-12 year olds who would have minor injuries which hurt. Splinters, a knock or bump etc. and while cleaning the cut up we’d say…” it’s really important when you have a splinter / cut / bruise that you don’t think about Polar Bears.”

“What? Why not?”

“Stop… stop thinking about them”….

“But why? … what’s wrong with that?”

“Oh, ok, maybe you’re old enough that that’s ok… what do you think?”

By: Davinder S

Davinder S — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:24:43 +0000

Karen, truly a great article and explained fantastically well.

I was researching how to use “Don’t think of a…” as a coaching tool for dealing with certain aspects of stress and negative thinking. I think your article explains it all wonderfully!
Thank you for saving me 8 hours!

By: Suzan

Suzan — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 11:38:49 +0000

Great article! Helped me also as a parent to cope with anxiety.Thanks you so much.

By: Karen Young

Karen Young — Mon, 29 Oct 2018 23:45:24 +0000

In reply to Stacey. Always worth a try!

By: Karen Young

Karen Young — Sun, 19 Aug 2018 12:22:27 +0000

In reply to Lena S. Lena I'm so pleased the article was helpful. There is certainly not a one size fits all approach! And thank you for ordering the book. I hope it was able to help your son understand his anxiety more, and realise how brave he is inside.

By: Stacey

Stacey — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 21:30:30 +0000

My 6 year old is struggling with homesickness and cultural adjustment since we moved abroad 3 weeks ago (we will be here for about 7 months). Would these strategies be appropriate to help her find more that’s good/fun/exciting about where we are?

By: Lena S

Lena S — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 01:56:22 +0000

I just happened upon this site tonight while looking for support for my anxious 8yo. This is wonderful advice and I love your reassuring tone – nothing is one-size-fits-all but everyone can learn to find their strengths, with help and guidance. I was planning on reading my son part of one of your posts but was THRILLED to see that you have a book! It’s ordered and I think the language will benefit us all. Many thanks for your work!

By: jayson troy

jayson troy — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 04:12:28 +0000

Your post is very enlightening. Thank you.

By: Karen Young

Karen Young — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 09:46:32 +0000

In reply to Kate. Thanks Kate. That means a lot.

By: Karen Young

Karen Young — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 09:42:33 +0000

In reply to Heather C.

You’re so welcome Heather. It can be awful to watch them struggling – I really get it. I’m pleased this has helped make sense of what’s happening for your daughter.