What are ANTs? Helping Kids Manage Negative Thoughts in Clermont, FL
If your child struggles with big emotions, worries a lot, or gets struck in negative thinking- you’re not alone.
Many kids experience something called Automatic Negative Thoughts or “ANTs”. These thoughts can feel overwhelming, sticky, and hard to turn off- especially for younger children who don’t yet have the skills to challenge them.
And here’s the important part:
Your child isn’t being “dramatic”, and you’re not doing anything wrong. They just need the right tools.
What are ANTS (Automatic Negative Thoughts)?
ANTS are quick, automatic thoughts that tend to be negative and unhelpful. Everyone has them sometimes, but for some kids, ANTs can:
Show up more often
Feel more intense
Get “stuck” or spiral
These thoughts can take over how you child feels, reacts, and behaves.
The 5 Common Types of ANTS (With Examples)
All-or-Nothing ANTS
Black-and-white thinking. Everything feels extreme.
Examples:
“No one likes me.”
“I always lose.”
“Nothing about today was good.”
Just the Bad ANTS
Focusing only on the negative, even when good things happen.
Examples:
“This day is terrible.”
“My project is horrible.”
“It doesn’t matter if we won- I messed up.”
Fortune Teller ANTS
Predicting the future, but always assuming the worst.
Examples:
“I’ll never get better at math.”
“I’m going to lose.”
“I’m going to hate it.”
Mind Reader ANTS
Assuming what others are thinking or feeling.
Examples:
“They think I’m weird.”
“They don’t want to be my friend.”
Blaming ANTS
Blaming others instead of taking responsibility.
Examples:
“It’s their fault I threw it.”
“They made me do it.”
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with ANTS
Even if your child doesn’t say these thoughts out loud, you may notice:
Big Emotions
Easily upset or frustrated
“0 to 100” reactions
Big reactions to small problems
Negative Self-Talk
“I’m bad”
“I’m the worst”
Difficulty Regulating Emotions
Trouble calming down
Needs help to settle after getting upset
May lash out (throwing, hitting, screaming)
Avoidance & Withdrawal
Avoids challenges
Leaves situations or shuts down
Needs encouragement to rejoin activities
Problem-Solving Struggles
Difficulty explaining what happened
Trouble identifying feelings
Doesn’t know how to “fix” the situation
What You Can Do at Home
Here are simple ways to support your child in the moment:
Help Them Name the Feeling
“I can see you’re really frustrated.”
“That felt disappointing, didn’t it?”
Offer Choices
“Do you want to try again or take a break?”
“Do you want a hug or a deep breath?”
Keep Coping Tools Nearby
Create a small “calm down” space or basket with:
Fidgets
Sensory toys
Feelings charts
Calm-down jars
4. Stay Calm (Even When It’s Hard)
Your calm nervous system helps regulate theirs.
When Extra Support Can Help
If these patterns are happening often, your child may benefit from learning:
How to challenge negative thoughts
How to regulate big emotions
How to build confidence in social situations
How We Help at Art of Healing Therapy Center
At Art of Healing Therapy Center in Clermont, Florida, we support children through:
Individual Therapy
One-on-one support tailored to your child’s needs.
Small Group Therapy
A powerful way for kids to:
Practice coping skills
Build confidence
Learn they’re not alone
ANTS Group
Our ANTS Group is designed for children who:
Worry or overthink
Get stuck in negative thoughts
Struggle with confidence or big emotions
In this small group, kids learn how to:
Stop the worry spiral
Calm their body and mind
Build confidence
Bounce back from mistakes
In-person in Clermont, Florida
Limited to 6-8 children
Spots are limited- once full, enrollment closes.
Grab the Free ANTs Checklist
Want a quick way to spot signs of ANTs in your child?
Download our free ANTs Checklist to better understand your child’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re in Clermont or the Central Florida area and looking for support, we’re here to help.
Call or text: (352) 234-6104
Email: samantha@aohtherapy.com
Art of Healing Therapy Center - Clermont, Florida
