06/11/2026
1. Name the “Body Push” Explain that every big feeling comes with a “push” to do something. For example, mad pushes us to stomp, and scared pushes us to hide. Help them identify that “push” before they act on it. In DBT we call this an emotion urge
2. Spot the “Brain Trick”
Teach them to ask: “Is this a real danger or a brain trick?” If a dog is growling, the fear is real-back away.
If they’re just nervous to try the monkey bars, that’s a Brain Trick. When the feeling doesn’t fit the facts, we use the “Switch-A-Roo.” Spot them, support the grave risk.
3. Do the “Total Opposite”
To change the feeling, they have to move their body in the opposite way of the “push.”
The Sadness Switch: If the push is to stay in the dark, the opposite is to turn on the lights and move your body.
The Anger Switch: If the push is to be
“prickly” and loud, the opposite is using a
“marshmallow voice” and gentle hands.
“Be a little nice”
The Mom Mantra: Model it. “I’m feeling frustrated, so my urge is to yell. Instead, I’m doing Opposite Action and taking a slow, quiet breath”
TikTok told me “wait until they are teenagers” 😂
