POSH
Not Everything Is About You
One of the most powerful mental health skills a child can learn.
Most people are not thinking about you as much as you think they are.
Many emotional reactions begin when we assume someone else's actions are about us.
Mindset Skill
LESS ASSUMPTIONS = LESS STRESS
Children often believe other people's actions, comments, moods or decisions are directly connected to them.
In reality, most people are dealing with their own thoughts, problems and emotions.
What this looks like
- "They didn't reply because they hate me."
- "They looked at me funny."
- "I must have done something wrong."
- "Everyone is judging me."
- "They're talking about me."
- "It's my fault."
Sometimes the story we tell ourselves creates more pain than reality.
The hidden danger online
Messages get misread.
Tone gets misunderstood.
People become busy.
Replies get delayed.
Algorithms hide content.
Children often create explanations that are worse than the truth.
The healthier question
Instead of asking:
"Why are they doing this to me?"
Ask:
"What else could explain this?"
The POSH Thinking Model
Something Happens
↓
I Notice It
↓
I Don't Assume
↓
I Consider Other Explanations
↓
Better Decisions
What parents can teach
- Most people are thinking about themselves.
- Not every comment is an attack.
- Not every disagreement is rejection.
- Not every delayed reply is personal.
- Not every bad mood is your responsibility.
Final POSH Reminder
Assumptions create anxiety.
Perspective creates calm.
Most things are not about you.
Stop assuming. Start understanding.