ANTS Guilty Gertrude Pupil Leaflet – Item 763

This printable ANTS Guilty Gertrude pupil leaflet is specially designed for children aged 7 to 11, offering gentle, neuroaffirming guidance on understanding guilt-based thinking, noticing when their brain tells them they should have done more, and learning how to treat themselves with kindness while focusing on what is actually their responsibility.

For many children, especially those who are neurodivergent or experience anxiety, sensitivity, or strong emotional responses, guilt thoughts can appear quickly and feel overwhelming. Children may blame themselves for things outside their control or feel they have not done enough, even when they tried their best. This resource breaks this down in a calm, child-friendly way, helping children understand that effort matters, mistakes are part of learning, and they do not need to carry responsibility for everything.

What’s inside the ANTS Guilty Gertrude pupil leaflet:

• Clear explanations of guilt thinking and why it happens
• Support to notice when the brain says “I should have done more”
• Gentle strategies to pause and focus on what is really their responsibility
• Guidance on recognising effort and practising kind self-talk
• The Guilt Backpack activity to practise coping tools
• Visual cues and relatable examples to support understanding and engagement

Perfect for:

• PSHE lessons
• ELSA and wellbeing interventions
• School counselling
• Nurture groups
• Home conversations
• SEN support

Designed with inclusivity in mind:

This leaflet uses affirming, supportive language and avoids shame or blame. It reassures children that guilt thoughts are common while helping them learn to recognise effort, build self-compassion, and respond in a calmer, more balanced way.

Helping children understand:

• Trying their best is enough
• Not everything is their responsibility
• Mistakes help us learn
• Kind self-talk builds confidence and resilience

Design details of the ANTS Guilty Gertrude pupil leaflet:

• A4 printable trifold in colour and black and white
• Clean design with visual cues and calm illustrations
• Clear layout to reduce visual overwhelm

Important information:
The Guilty Gertrude leaflet is designed to be used as part of ELSA sessions, PSHE teaching, or another supportive session. It should not simply be handed to children without guidance. These leaflets are intended as reminders for pupils to take away and to support adults working through the content with them.

It is your responsibility to decide whether the information in this leaflet is appropriate and helpful for your pupils.

Under our terms and conditions, these leaflets must not be uploaded to school websites. They are for printing and using within sessions or as a structured basis for teaching and discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What age is the Guilty Gertrude leaflet suitable for?
A: This leaflet is designed for children aged 7 to 11, but it can also be useful for older children who struggle with guilt or negative self-talk.

Q: How can the leaflet help my child?
A: It helps children understand guilt thoughts, recognise when their brain says “I should have done more,” practise kind self-talk, and learn practical strategies to stay calm and balanced.

Q: Can it be used in schools?
A: Yes! The leaflet is perfect for PSHE lessons, ELSA Support or wellbeing interventions, school counselling, nurture groups, and SEN support.

Q: Is this resource suitable for neurodivergent children?
A: Absolutely. The language is neuroaffirming, inclusive, and supportive, helping children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or high emotional sensitivity to understand their feelings and cope more effectively.

Q: How is the leaflet designed?
A: It’s an A4 printable trifold, available in colour or black and white, with visual cues, calm illustrations, and a clear layout to reduce overwhelm.

Q: Can I use this at home?
A: Yes! It’s ideal for home conversations, helping children practise noticing positives, managing guilt, and building confidence outside of school.

Q: Does it include activities?
A: Yes, it includes the Guilt Backpack activity, where children can draw or write strategies they can use to cope with guilt thoughts and stay balanced.

Check out our other ANTS pupil leaflets here