Daily Affirmations for Kids
Do you know the impact of daily affirmations for kids?
Affirmations are powerful tools that can be used in the life of a child. When they are used responsibly, these tools can help children to:
- build confidence
- feel better about themselves, and
- improve their self-esteem.
Affirmations also teach children the power of being positive, both in their thoughts and actions.
Children are always looking for ways to motivate themselves. It can be difficult for them to believe that they are capable of accomplishing anything without being told or reminded. Affirmations are a great way to motivate children because affirmations are positive statements that kids can recite to themselves when they need encouragement.
A few years back our family made the decision to start our day with positive affirmations and quotes. Any parent can tell you all it takes to ruin a morning is one person getting up on the wrong side of the bed. Within just a few minutes, the mood in your house can shift from joyful and excited to grumpy and overwhelmed. That’s why it can be helpful for parents and kids to begin the day together with positive affirmations.
How to introduce daily affirmations to your child
When starting affirmations with your child, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
1 – The affirmations need to be realistic, simple and self-explanatory.
2 – Create a routine with your affirmations and stick with it. We prefer morning as a way to start our day on a positive note. It also gives them something to focus on throughout the day while at school.
3 – Explain what affirmations are and why they are saying them.
4 – Focus on one affirmation a week or month. This gives your children time to truly embrace them and repeat them regularly.
Five Daily Affirmations for Kids
1 – I am loved.
When kids know they’re loved, they carry that knowledge with them. It comforts and supports them throughout the day. You can have your child say, “I am loved” and then add the name of family members: “I am loved by Mom, by Dad, by ______.”
2 – I believe in myself.
This is a positive affirmation kids can repeat during the morning and again throughout the day at school. This affirmation will give them confidence and ease their anxieties when faced with a new experience,
3 – I am strong inside and out.
Kids need reminders they are strong and capable. Have your child repeat this affirmation while touching their heart to indicate their inner strength then flexing their arms to show their outer strength.
4 – I can do this.
Adults know that failure is just part of the learning process. Children do not always grasp this concept. When something does not work the first few times they try it they get upset.
You could have kids repeat this affirmation while they’re doing a morning task they struggle with. Have your child say, “I can tie my shoes” or “I can button my jacket”. Acknowledge your kids’ efforts with this one and encourage them when they need it.
5 – I am thankful for…
Have your child start the day by listing what they’re thankful for. Don’t pressure your child to get a “right” answer here. The power in this affirmation doesn’t come from their answer, it comes from helping kids shift their focus to all the good things they have in their lives already.
Display Daily Affirmations for Kids
Place different affirmations you want your child to see throughout your home. A good place to put them would be on the bathroom mirror so the affirmations are the first and last thing your child sees each day.
You can also put affirmations on the back of your doors. This gives your child a dose of positivity before they leave for school or daycare.
Think of screens your child sees, too. If you let your child play with your smart device, make your background image a positive affirmation. Your laptop and TV have screensavers you can program to show helpful affirmations.
When you teach your child to embrace and repeat affirmations, you’re teaching them how to control their attitude. Your kids will learn to become positive thinkers that look for the good in every situation, especially in the mornings.