Positive affirmations are very helpful as an adult, you might use positive affirmations every day to foster the right mindset. Saying things like “I am worthy of love,” or “I am the key to my own success” can set the right tone each day. Positive affirmations can boost kids’ self-esteem and sense of self-worth, too. While some people might think they’re nothing more than silly sayings, science is on your side. Positive affirmations can actually change your neurophysiology, making it easier to combat negative thoughts.
How Positive Affirmations Help Kids
Positive affirmations aren’t just for adults. Giving your kids positive affirmations each day can set them up for success now and give them the tools and resources they need for a brighter future. By starting now, you can foster positive mental health in your kids that can help them cope with almost any situation.
If you’re new to positive affirmations or you’re not sure how to give them to your kids, let’s look at a few ways to get started.
Helping with Goals and Overcoming Challenges
Some people think that positive affirmations work by “manifesting” your dreams. That isn’t necessarily true. But, they can help kids feel strong and capable enough to reach their goals and overcome obstacles in their lives.
Affirmations work best when you set them in the present. They should focus on specific tasks your child can do right now rather than huge goals that could take weeks to reach. For example, your child might want to be able to run a mile in gym class. That’s a long-term goal. But, there are affirmations they can use each day to reach it, including saying things like:
- “I love what my body can do for me.”
- “I am strong enough to do hard things.”
- “Today I can run farther than yesterday.”
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Affirmations can even be used to help with daily challenges you might face with your child. If they’re a picky eater, they can use an affirmation like, “this broccoli will help me grow.” If they have a hard time getting to bed each night and their circadian rhythms are starting to get off-track, they can use affirmations like, “getting enough sleep will give me more energy tomorrow.”
Regularly using positive affirmations with your kids will even help them learn how to cope with challenges as they arise. If they’re ever faced with mental health struggles, they can use their own affirmations to accept their flaws, recognize reality from fearful thoughts, and overcome some common symptoms of anxiety.
Boosting Confidence and Self-Worth
Children of all ages need to know their worth. Unfortunately, confidence and self-esteem are often major struggles for children trying to fit in. One study found that 7 out of 10 girls believe they’re “not good enough” or don’t measure up to societal standards the way they should. Kids are starting to focus on things like weight, peer pressure, and appearances at a younger age than ever.
Positive affirmations can give your child more confidence to tackle anything they might be facing. That could be joining the swim team, introducing themselves to a new student, or even something as simple as getting ready for kindergarten. Some affirmations your child can use for more confidence and self-esteem include:
- “I can overcome anything.”
- “I have a lot of potential.”
- “I make a difference when I show up.”
- “I’m grateful for my life.”
- “I am braver than I think.”
When you foster positive affirmations for confidence and positivity, your child can use them well into adulthood to understand their true value. By teaching positive affirmations now, imagine the success your child can achieve as they get older, just by having a strong understanding of who they are and what they can do.
Here’s A List of Positive Affirmation Ideas for Kids
- “I am loved.”
- “I accept the way I feel right now.”
- “I am important.”
- “I am honest.”
- “I am brave.”
- “I am good.”
- “I am a good example for others.”
- “I love myself.”
- “I matter.”
- “I am important”
- “I can do it.”
- “I am smart.”
- “I can do math.”
- “I care about people.”
- “I am helpful.”
- “I can change.”
- “I am responsible.”
- I am growing.
- I can make change the world.
- I am helpful.
- “I face challenges.”
- “I bring people joy.”
- “I am nice to others.”
- “I am curious.”
- “I love who I am.”
- “I am accepting of others.”
- “I am friendly.”
- “I am healthy.”
- “I am calm.”
- “My opinions matter.”
- “I can face my fears.”
- “I forgive people who make mistakes.”
- “I believe in myself.”
- “I can cope with whatever challenges I’m confronted with.”
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Sam Bowman writes about families, wellness, and how the two merge. He enjoys getting to utilize the Internet for community without actually having to leave his house. In his spare time he likes running, reading, and combining the two in a run to his local bookstore.
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