The Detective Thinking Worksheet from the Cool Kids Program encourages children to approach their worries with a curious, investigative mindset. This worksheet helps children differentiate between worried thoughts and realistic thoughts by examining the evidence, challenging anxious assumptions, and exploring more balanced perspectives.
Key Components:
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Identifying the Event:
- Children start by noting the event or situation that triggered their worry. This initial step encourages them to pinpoint specific moments rather than generalising their anxiety.
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Worry Rating:
- They are asked to rate the intensity of their worry on a scale, which helps them gauge their emotional response and recognise that worries can vary in strength.
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Worried Thought vs. Calm, Realistic Thought:
- The worksheet invites children to write down their worried thoughts, followed by a calm, realistic thought about the situation. This shift helps them see that their worries might not always reflect reality.
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Investigating the Evidence:
- Using prompts like “What are the facts?”, “What else could happen?”, “What happened when I worried before?”, and “What is likely to happen?”, children examine the situation with a logical lens, reinforcing a balanced perspective.
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Reflecting on Others’ Experiences:
- Asking what has happened to other people in similar situations helps children realise that their experience is not unique and that others may have managed similar worries successfully.
The Detective Thinking Worksheet is a valuable tool for educators, parents, and therapists working to support children in managing anxiety. It promotes critical thinking, resilience, and a calm, balanced approach to handling worries.
