Positive Self-Talk For Every Age in The Family.  Each of us has a set of messages that play over and over in our minds. This internal dialogue, or personal commentary, frames our reactions to life and its circumstances. One of the ways to recognize, promote, and sustain optimism, hope, and joy is to intentionally fill our thoughts with positive self-talk. Parents can help kids (and themselves) cope with negative thoughts and feelings by teaching them how to engage in positive self-talk. While it is still important to recognize negative thoughts and feelings and not attempt to erase them, we can also learn how to reframe our thinking and focus on our strengths or the lessons we have learned from challenges.