Imagine a magical spell that ignites the spark of greatness within your kid — A greatness that you can summon at will with a simple Accio or a swift Alohomora. Positive affirmations are precisely that—a delightful blend of words that transform your child’s mindset. Be warned, we do not mean words like “have some cake” or “here’s that video game you asked for,” although those would no doubt be convenient and super-easy.

Remember that time when Aibileen Clark in The Help repeatedly told Mae “You is kind; you is smart; you is important”? That dialogue succinctly explains what we mean by the power of positive affirmations in strengthening a child’s emotional well-being. 

Why are positive affirmations important for kids?

Positive affirmations are like little drops of sunshine that brighten children’s minds and nourish their souls. When my daughter was three, her daily routine at her daycare centre included the exercise “Rub your hands, touch your tummy, touch your heart, and touch your mind” This gentle emphasis on “mind” rather than “head” made me realize the importance of developing my child’s emotional quotient. 

By incorporating words such as “I am resilient,” “I am deserving of love,” or “I am capable of handling my emotions,” we encourage children to acknowledge and manage their feelings in a healthy way. This empowers children to communicate effectively, practice self-compassion, promote body confidence and kindness, and develop empathy towards others.

What are some positive affirmations for kids?

One of the challenges I faced as a new mother was getting a hold of enough relatable material and activities that would help my daughter grow her emotional quotient substantially. It was important for me that my daughter knew how to practice self-kindness and self-compassion. Helping her with positive affirmations daily is one ritual that comes in very handy. 

Here are 10 POSITIVE affirmations for kids to use daily:

1. Every day, I am growing smarter, stronger, and more amazing.
2. I believe in myself, and there’s nothing I can’t do if I try.
3. I have a heart full of courage, and I can face anything with a smile.
4. Today, I choose to be happy.
5. I am unique and special, and that’s what makes me awesome.
6. Mistakes help me learn and become even more fantastic.
7. My imagination is powerful, and I can create amazing things.
8. I am deserving of love.
9. I am enough.
10. I am a bright and shining star, spreading joy wherever I go.

When should you encourage kids to use positive affirmations?

Positive affirmations can be used at any time, but I find that morning affirmations can really help you set the tone for the day. In terms of events that may trigger the need for affirmations, do make note of the times your child may be bullied by classmates, face a big test they are not confident taking, or try out a new activity. 

Start by choosing an affirmation for your child and think of a medium to communicate it; for example, a lot of parents out there add a note expressing positive emotions with their kids’ lunch boxes. 

What is the power of positive affirmations?

Children internalize and integrate affirmations into their self-perception when said regularly. I remember when I first started engaging my daughter with the phrase “I am a beautiful person”; she learned to believe it. A week later, when my mother asked her “How are you?” over the phone, she promptly responded with “I am beautiful and hungry.” 

1. Developing Resilience

Affirmations can teach children to approach challenges with a positive mindset. By repeating affirmations like “I can overcome obstacles” or “I learn from my mistakes,” children are encouraged to persevere and develop resilience in the face of hardships.

2. Enhancing Emotional Quotient

Positive affirmations lift the children’s spirits. Affirmations such as “I am loved,” “I am worthy of happiness,” or “I am surrounded by positivity” promote emotional intelligence.

3. Fostering a Positive Growth Mindset

Affirmations can help children believe that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and practice. By using words like “I can improve with practice” or “I can learn my lessons quickly,” children develop a cheerful outlook toward learning and development.

4. Building Self-Compassion

Affirmations promote self-compassion and self-care in children. By affirming statements such as “I am kind to myself,” “I deserve love and respect,” or “I am enough as I am,” children learn to treat themselves and others with kindness, understanding, and acceptance.

Fun Activities to Make Positive Affirmations for Kids a Daily Ritual:

Introducing positive affirmations to children can be an exciting process. Here are 7 ideas to make it fun and interactive:

1. Posters: Create colourful posters with positive affirmations and illustrations that resonate with your child. Hang them up in their room or play area as a daily reminder of their awesomeness.
2. Jars: Decorate a jar and fill it with small, folded pieces of paper. On each paper, write a positive affirmation. Encourage your child to pick one each day and read it aloud, internalizing the positive message.
3. Collages: Provide your child with old magazines, scissors, and glue. Ask them to cut out words and images that represent positive qualities or goals they want to achieve. Help them create a collage with these affirmations and display it as a daily visual reminder of their potential.
4. Mirror Time: Stand in front of a mirror with your child and take turns saying positive affirmations about yourselves. Encourage them to smile, make funny faces, and really feel the positive energy as they repeat the affirmations.
5. DIY Bracelets: Create DIY bracelets with colourful beads and letter charms. Help your child choose affirmations or words that inspire them and string the beads to make personalized bracelets they can wear and feel empowered throughout the day. What a fashionable reminder of their inner strength!
6. Storytime: Read books that affirm and empower well-being. Discuss the affirmations with your child and ask them to share their thoughts. It is also a wonderful opportunity to cultivate a reading habit.
7. Journals: Ask your child to write or draw their own positive affirmations in a journal. Encourage them to personalize it with stickers, artwork, and colours that reflect their unique personality. This can be their personal space to dream big and dare to achieve.

Do make the activities age-appropriate, interactive, and tailored to your child’s interests. Remember, the more interactive and enjoyable the experience, the more impact affirmations will have.

Positive affirmations help kids grow into wholesome human beings

By introducing positive affirmations at an early age, we empower children to develop a strong foundation of self-love, self-acceptance, and optimism that will positively impact their lives as they grow and navigate the world around them. So, dear parents, now that you are aware of the power of positive affirmations, make sure to incorporate them into your kids’ lives and help them grow as beautiful, strong, and emotionally intelligent individuals. An Alohomora may open doors, but positive affirmations will open your child’s mind.