Bedtime is a great time for this activity, because we all know kids who hate that lights out part of the day. But of course if you’re working with kids in therapy or a classroom, this activity works any time.

Have the child sit or lie down. Tell her to imagine that she is blowing bubbles with her thoughts. Have her fill each bubble with something that happened during the day that she wants to release. It could be a word or a picture. If she needs prompting, try things like problems at school, a big test coming up, or something a friend said that bothered her. Guide her through imagining that bubble floating up, up, up until it is out of sight.

After she has released her negative thoughts, encourage her to imagine another bubble coming toward her filled with something she is grateful for. Her teacher, her parents, her friends, her soccer team, whatever it may be. Again, it could be a word or a picture. Have her imagine the bubble floating toward her, closer and closer, until it pops right above her heart. Let the image melt into her. Imagine a few more gratitude bubbles before turning off the lights and saying goodnight, or before transitioning into a new activity.