This free Catch – Check – Change worksheet is a printable PDF designed to help children and young people understand and manage unhelpful thoughts. It uses a simple, structured CBT-informed approach that supports emotional wellbeing, self-awareness and healthier thinking patterns. The resource guides children through three clear steps. They learn to catch a thought, check whether it is kind, fair or helpful, and then change it into a more balanced and supportive thought.
The worksheet includes gentle reflection prompts, space for writing or drawing, and a clear reminder that children do not have to believe every thought they think. The visual and child-friendly design makes it easy to use with kids, children, teens and young people, including those who experience anxiety, worries, negative self-talk, low confidence or strong emotions.
This resource is suitable for use at home, in schools, therapy settings and family support services. It can support parents, carers, foster carers, adoptive parents, teachers, social workers, youth workers and other professionals who want practical tools to help children build emotional regulation, resilience, coping skills and positive behaviour. The worksheet can be used in one-to-one work, small groups or as part of wider emotional and mental health support.
The Catch – Check – Change worksheet is a free downloadable PDF and can be used as part of everyday emotional wellbeing work with children and young people.
