Growing Self-Esteem: Positive Affirmations for Children

Want to put positive thoughts in your child's mind and equip them with a lifelong tool for wellbeing and literacy? Share the power of positive affirmations for children and empower them to face challenges with confidence!

Positive affirmations are empowering for people of all ages and are a great way to build self-esteem. If you're looking for ways to put positive thoughts into your child's mind and equip them with a practical wellbeing tool that they can use for life - all while supporting their literacy skills - then positive affirmations are a wonderful practice to share with them.

How do positive affirmations work?

In a nutshell, positive affirmations are feel-good statements designed to encourage a positive internal landscape, as well as outlook. These statements help to build confidence and elevate one's sense of self in a healthy way - this is especially significant for young children as they begin to explore their feelings. According to Dr. Bethany Cook, (clinical psychologist) positive affirmations impact both the conscious and subconscious parts of the brain, which has a profound influence on one's internal voice. This internal voice is what will help your child learn how to navigate their feelings and to eventually regulate their responses to them.

How to practise daily affirmations with your child

Simply take a few minutes out of each day at a time that works best for the pair of you. The morning is ideal because it's a great way to start the day on a positive note. If you can commit to the same time every day, even better. This shared wellbeing practice also doubles as an opportunity for you to spend some quality time together. To get your child involved, allow them to choose one or two affirmations themselves. If they aren't yet able to choose affirmations that resonate with them, perhaps you can follow their lead by asking them how they feel and help choose affirmations that are appropriate.

The more specific these affirmations are to your child, the more meaningful they will be. For example, if they are experiencing sadness, you could suggest an affirmation that says: "I remember that bad feelings come and go". You can sit opposite one another and keep your eyes closed to make it more of a meditative and calming experience, or you can perform your affirmations in front of a mirror for a more lively experience. Another option can be to attach a positive affirmation to an experience taking place in real-time. This lived experience will help your little one to begin to understand more about their emotions and what's important to them. As your child's role model, be sure to lead these affirmations with confidence and conviction.

20 positive affirmations for children

1. I am unique and special.
2. I am perfect the way I am.
3. Differences make us special.
4. I am loved.
5. I am safe and cared for.
6. I have many talents.
7. I can learn new things, or I can do this.
8. I can solve problems, or I have great ideas.
9. I will never give up.
10. I am brave.
11. I am a good listener.
12. I have a big heart.
13. I am kind to everyone.
14. I am a good friend.
15. I believe in myself.
16. It's okay to be myself.
17. It's okay to get things wrong.
18. It's okay to ask for help.
19. It's okay to feel all of my feelings.
20. It's okay to cry.

If you're looking for a little more inspiration, we've also compiled a list of positive affirmation books:

• MY LITTLE BOOK OF HAPPINESS: Positive Affirmations for Children
• I Am Enough
• The Wonderful Things You Will Be
• Happy to Be Me: Positive Affirmations for Little Kids
• Train Your Dragon To Love Himself: A Dragon Book To Give Children Positive Affirmations