Positive Affirmations for Kids - Encourage Positive Self-Talk (2024)

I will never forget the day my then three-year-old daughter proudly declared “I love myself!” At that moment I was proud of my daughter’s confidence, yet terrified for the outside influences that would eventually challenge her mindset and potentially affect her confidence.

One way you can combat negative self-talk and encourage children to make those childhood dreams become reality is through daily positive affirmations for kids. I believe in the power of affirmations and just like with adults, they can have a positive impact on children.

Your kids may struggle with body image, confidence, school, or patience. They may give up or get frustrated easily. Heck, most adults are challenged with these same negative thoughts! I wish I was given the tools to work on my mindset from an early age. Now, I have the opportunity to influence my children with positive daily habits.

While I don’t have a magic wand or a secret sauce, I do want to show you how daily affirmations can truly change the way your kids think and experience life.

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What are words of affirmations for kids?

Affirmations are statements that you say over and over and over again until they penetrate into your subconscious mind. They reprogram your mind to shut the negativity out and let positivity in. Affirmations for children can reduce anxiety, encourage creative thinking, inspire a growth mindset, improve their well-being and boost self-esteem.

What are the best affirmations?

There is no specific affirmation that is best, but I’ve included some of my favorites below. The best affirmations are those that inspire and encourage your kids.

When choosing affirmations stick to the following guidelines:

• Keep them brief, but specific.
• Start with I am.
• Use the present tense as if you have already achieved your goal.
• Use action words, emotions, and feelings.
• Keep them positive.

Here are some questions to consider when choosing affirmations with your kids:

• What is your child struggling with?
  
• How do they see themselves and how do others see them?
• What kind of a parent, partner, and friend do they want to be?
• What are their hopes and dreams?

What are some examples of affirmations for kids?

Here are some of my favorites:

• I love myself
• I am proud of myself
• I am a good friend
• I am enough
• I am special
• I am capable
• I can do hard thing
• I believe in myself
• I am patient
• I am loved
• I am creative
• I am strong
• I am brave
• I am smart
• I am kind
• I am happy
• I am helpful
• I like myself
• I can do it
• I can make a difference

How do you teach positive affirmations for kids?

There are many ways to incorporate positive self-talk into your daily routines. I’ve listed 5 ways below:

Bedtime Routine

One of my favorites ways to teach kids positive self-talk is by affirming them. A friend recently told me that every night when she tucks her kids into bed she repeats that same 5 affirmations to them before she kisses them goodnight. What a great idea! Acknowledging their strengths, talents and unique personality will boost their confidence and give them a sense of belonging.

Stickers

Place these cool stickers on your bathroom or child’s bedroom mirror as a reminder to repeat them every time they look in the mirror. We recently made this a habit every time we wash our hands. Twenty seconds of hand washing is a perfect amount of time to repeat five affirmations. Think about what a big impact that positive self-talk will have over time!

Journal

Have your older children write their affirmations in a journal each day. This repetitive habit will have a big impact over time.

Create an Affirmation Poster

Have them create a special poster with their affirmations and hang it in a spot where they will see it throughout the day. Let them be creative and use markers, stickers, glitter, etc.

Affirmations Cards

My daughter uses these affirmation cards by her bed. Each morning when she wakes up she takes the next card from the deck and reminders herself of just how special she is.

Positive Affirmations for Parents

Affirmations aren’t just for kids! Kids learn best by following what you do! To learn more about affirmations for adults check out this post.

How do you practice affirmations with your kids? Let us know in the comments.

Free Printable Affirmation Card PDF for Kids

Click below to grab your FREE printable affirmation cards for kids!