Affirmations for kids are even more critical than those for adults.  And why is that?  Well, children are still in the process of developing physically, emotionally, and mentally.  Positive affirmations for kids help to build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.  Additionally, affirmations help them cope with an illness or empower them to care for their bodies better. 

What Are Positive Affirmations for Kids?

Children need positive affirmations to feel good about themselves and thrive.  Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself.  They help to build self-confidence and a positive self-image. Notably, affirmations are beneficial for children who are vulnerable to negative thoughts and self-criticism.  By repeating positive statements about themselves, children can learn to love and accept themselves just as they are.

Psychiatrist Walter Jacobson, M.D. notes a vital connection between the mind and body.  Furthermore, psychologists, physicians, and other health practitioners advocate that healing the mind is essential for overall health and well-being.   Psychologist Dr. Bethany Cook details the benefits of positive affirmations for kids in her book, For What It’s Worth: A Perspective on How to Thrive and Survive Clinical Parenting: Ages 0-2.   The bottom line is that children benefit from positive affirmations from others and themselves.

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How to Use Positive Affirmations with Kids

So, how do you get your children into the habit of using affirmations?  There are no hard and fast rules for practicing affirmations.  However, the approach varies depending on the age of the child.  Furthermore, you know your dreams, goals, desires, and prayers for your child.  You also know the areas where your child struggles. 

• Choose 2-5 affirmations on which to focus for the week.
• Set aside 3 to 5 minutes twice a day.
• Repeat each affirmation 10 to 12 times.
• Make affirmation flashcards.
• Teach the child the meaning of the word and its alternatives.
• Choose a mixture of adjectives, nouns, and action verbs.
• Focus on ones that speak to the child’s needs and situations (e.g., confidence, illness, bullying). 
• Help the child to incorporate the word into their vocabulary.

Incorporate Affirmations into Morning and Bedtime Routines

Practice the affirmations as a part of the morning and bedtime rituals. Morning rituals set the day’s intentions and establish a growth mindset. On the other hand, evening rituals provide opportunities for reflection and expressions of gratitude. However, I also recommend repeating them at midday and whenever the child needs to get fierce and call on their inner warrior.

Many parents incorporate affirmations with morning and evening prayers. I recommend that older children write out the affirmations daily in their journals. They can also add affirmations as the screensaver on their phones.

Repeat in Front of The Mirror

One of the most powerful ways to practice affirmations is to repeat them in front of a mirror.  Encourage the child to stare at themselves and adopt a superhero position like raising their hands or flexing their muscles.  Give each other a high five.   And by the way, this also works for adults.

Write Affirmation Lunchbox Notes

You can’t be at school to encourage and cheer on your child.  However,  an affirmation note in your child’s lunchbox can make their day.  Lunchbox notes give kids an emotional hug and a much-needed jolt of confidence in the middle of the day.

Put Affirmation Cards and Notes in a Self-Soothe Box

A self-soothe box for children contains items that ground them, calm them, and reduce symptoms of stress, nervousness, anxiety, or panic attacks.  A self-soothe box includes a variety of sensory items.  Choose items that stimulate the five senses: smell, vision, sound, taste, and touch.  Suggestions for the box include:

• List of affirmations (flashcards, note cards, sticky notes, etc.)
• Stuffed animal
• Soft cuddly blanket, socks, sweater
• Sensory toys
• Souvenirs
• Photos
• Coloring book and crayons
• Soothing smells (lavender spray, etc.)
• Music box

Incorporate Affirmations into Vision Boards

Consider making a vision board with your child.  If you’re not familiar with a vision board, it is a physical depiction of your goals and dreams.  It contains pictures, magazine clippings, words, and quotes.  Many people also add affirmations. 

Create an Affirmation Poster

Affirmation posters are available for purchase online.  However, a thoughtful, fun, and creative idea is to create and frame an affirmation poster that reflects your child’s uniqueness.  If you have more than one child, create a poster for each child.   If you create them on a computer, change the poster in the frame each month or a few times a year.  Affirmation posters also make great gifts for grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and students.

The Power of I AM Affirmations for Kids

Two of the most powerful words that change lives are “I am.” When we declare “I AM,” we get into warrior mode.  Furthermore, we acknowledge every good thing that the Creator and Universe have for us.  I AM affirmations also mine the hidden treasures in our heart and soul. Teach your children the power of I AM affirmations. As a side note, these I AM words are great vocabulary builders.

I AM . . .

1. Enough.
2. Strong.
3. Intelligent.
4. Smart.
5. Creative.
6. Loving.
7. Generous.
8. Kind.
9. Gentle.
10. Humble.
11. Worthy.
12. Beautiful.
13. Thankful.
14. Whole.
15. Compassionate.
16. Joyful.
17. Perfectly me.
18. Unique.
19. Special.
20. A valuable person.
21. A leader.
22. Capable of achieving my goals.
23. A good friend.
24. Loved and accepted by others.
25. Competent and capable in all areas of life.
26. Crushing my goals.
27. A warrior.
28. Persistent.
29. Unstoppable.
30. Ready to fly.
31. Destined for greatness.

Positive Affirmations for Kids Who Are Anxious and Stressed

Anxiety is a common problem for kids.  Children may be worried about an exam, school play, dance recital, or a sporting event.  They may also be anxious about moving, making new friends, or pleasing an adult.   In many cases, these negative thoughts and beliefs crowd their minds and affect their mental health.   A child who experiences anxiety can benefit from a self-soothe box.  Repeating positive affirmations also works well for children when they feel stressed, anxious, sad, or fearful. 

1. My mental health matters.
2. I am brave.
3. The butterflies in my stomach are here to help me.
4. I feel calm, relaxed, and peaceful.
5. I believe in myself.
6. Every day brings new opportunities.
7. I can do anything.
8. It’s going to be OK.
9. It’s OK to ask for help.
10. I deserve this.
11. This is my time to soar.
12. Fear does not own me.
13. I embrace change.
14. I’ve got this.
15. It’s OK to be scared.
16. I am loved and protected.
17. My monsters do not exist.
18. My nightmares are not real.
19. I talk back to my worry bullies.
20. I refuse to quit.

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Positive Affirmations for Kids Who Are Sick

Has your child been recently diagnosed with an illness?    Or are they in the process of recovering from an illness?  Like adults, kids get scared and anxious when they are sick.  Instead of constantly asking, “How are you feeling?” try to offer something positive.  Regardless of the illness or stage of recovery, these powerful affirmations work well with your child’s treatment plan to recharge their body.

1. My illness does not define me.
2. The cells in my body are fighting for me.
3. I am a superhero.
4. My body is strong enough to fight this illness.
5. I choose to make time to care for my body.
6. I feel healthy, happy, and terrific.
7. It’s OK to be scared.
8. I eat healthy foods every day.
9. My body is healing right now.
10. I am whole.
11. I speak gently and kindly to my body as it heals.
12. My body grows stronger every day.
13. I celebrate the progress that I have made.
14. I trust God to heal me. 
15. My body grows stronger and healthier every day.
16. I advocate for my health.
17. I love my body.
18. My body is healthy and whole.
19. I am thankful for today.
20. My body knows what it needs to heal.  
21. I can cheer myself up when I’m sad.
22. Today is a good day to be alive. 
23. I make healthy choices every day.
24. My team is praying for me.
25. I’ve got this.
26. It’s OK to ask for help.
27. I’m not afraid of a challenge.
28. I am healed.

Affirmations for Kids Who Are Bullied

The term “bullying’ refers to unwanted, aggressive language and behavior.  The statistics on bullying among children are shocking. Bullying impacts 1 in 5 children ages 12-18 in the U.S.  The most common types of bullying are:

• Verbal—teasing, name-calling, taunting, threatening, etc. (79%)
• Social—embarrassing someone, leaving someone out on purpose, spreading lies and rumors, etc. (50%)
• Physical—hitting, spitting, shoving, tripping, making rude gestures, etc. (29%)
• Cyberbullying—online verbal and social bullying behaviors (25%)

Bullying has serious, lasting impacts on kids who are bullied, doing the bullying or observing the bullying. Kids who experience bullying often suffer from depression, anxiety, and poor academic achievement. Unfortunately, some harm themselves and others. 

Here are some positive affirmations for kids who are being bullied:

1. I am beautiful.
2. I am brave.
3. Asking for help doesn’t make me weak.
4. I do not have to be around people who make me uncomfortable.
5. I stand up for myself.
6. My feelings are important.
7. I belong.
8. I have a lot to offer.
9. My difference makes me unique.
10. I am a good friend.
11. I am worthy.
12. My character speaks for itself.
13. I choose to pray for people who are unkind to me.
14. Nobody’s perfect and there’s nothing wrong with me.
15. I stand up for my beliefs.
16. I am surrounded by love.

Affirmations for Kids to Be Proud of Their Heritage

It’s important to teach children to be proud of their cultural, ethnic, and religious heritage.  Unfortunately, minority children and others in underserved communities often lack a positive representation of their heritage in popular media.  Thus, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, faith communities, and other civic communities must keep the heritage and legacy alive.

1. The memories of my ancestors cheer me on.
2. I am proud of my heritage.
3. I am proud to be Black/African American (Asian, Latino, Hispanic, Muslim, etc.)
4. My circumstances do not define me.
5. I am the best of my mom and dad.
6. The people in my community inspire me to reach my goals.
7. My skin is the perfect color for me.
8. My skin is beautiful.
9. I am not afraid to be different.
10. I value my heritage.
11. My hair is the perfect texture for me.
12. My hair is a crown.
13. I love the color of my skin.
14. I walk with purpose.
15. My nose is perfect for my face.
16. I am the hero of my story.
17. I love the shape of my eyes.
18. Excellence is in my DNA.
19. I am the legacy.
20. I nurture my soul daily.
21. My ancestors planted the seed and I am the harvest.
22. I have a voice, and my voice matters.
23. I make a difference
24. My future is bright.
25. I walk with pride.
26. I am destined for greatness.

Affirmations for Kids to Develop a Growth Mindset

It’s essential to help children to develop a growth mindset.  Having a growth mindset means developing your basic abilities to excel through hard work, dedication, and positive thinking.  Additionally, it means learning from mistakes and challenges and getting out of their comfort zones.

1. I love to try new things
2. I go after my dreams.
3. Mistakes help me to learn and grow.
4. I am a problem solver.
5. I improve with lots of practice.
6. Success tastes so good.
7. I embrace new challenges.
8. I am brave enough to try.
9. Dream big.
10. I embrace change.
11. I go beyond my comfort zone.
12. Nothing starts easy.
13. I ask for help when I need it.
14. Challenges give me a chance to grow,
15. I stretch myself a little every day.
16. I can reach the stars.
17. Attitude makes all the difference.
18. I celebrate the small wins.
19. I control my effort and my attitude.
20. Progress, not perfection.
21. I look for answers when I am stuck.
22. I refuse to be distracted from my goals.
23. My brain is a muscle, so I exercise it every day.
24. I can be anything.
25. I am smarter than I think.

Affirmations for Kids to Succeed in School

Too often, our kids are defined and labeled by a letter grade in school.   As a result, they internalize it, which stifles their confidence and contributes to a fixed mindset. It’s important to teach children that success is not just about their grades.  Yes, grades are important, but our kids are not their grades.  These affirmations focus on a child’s potential to learn and celebrate their uniqueness.

1. I am smart.
2. I am intelligent.
3. It’s OK to ask for help.
4. I can do anything.
5. I am creative.
6. It’s OK to make mistakes.
7. I like being punctual.
8. I handle all my responsibilities and tasks well.
9. Learning is fun and exciting.
10. I turn failures into opportunities for success.
11. I am patient.
12. Whatever I do, I give it my best.
13. I trust in my ability to solve problems.
14. I trust my intuition.
15. Today is a great day to learn something new.
16. I manage my time well.
17. I forgive myself for making a mistake.
18. My future is bright.
19. I believe in myself.
20. I am persistent.
21. Do it again and again.
22. I am unstoppable.
23. I get up when I fall.
24. Never stop trying.
25. I trust my teachers.
26. I have resources to help me.
27. Growth happens outside my comfort zone.
28. I can handle any challenge.
29. I am open to learning new things.
30. My attitude is everything.
31. I always give my best.
32. I build habits that help me succeed.
33. It’s OK to have a different learning style.
34. I am unique.
35. I am gifted.

Now It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope that you’ve learned more about the importance of using affirmations with your kids. Children are facing different challenges than we did growing up. Don’t wait until your child is in a difficult situation to teach them how to use affirmations. Instead, teach them how to use them daily.

While studies document the health benefits of using positive affirmations, the information in this post is not medical advice.  Furthermore, it does not replace or contradict the advice from medical providers.

I think you will enjoy reading the post on grounding meditation: 5 minutes to a calmer you, how to make a self-soothe box, the mental health benefits of walking outdoors, 55 powerful affirmations for health and healing, and journaling for manifestation.

We look forward to hearing about your experience with using affirmations with your kids.  You can also join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Page.

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