They say everything stems from your childhood. Oftentimes, the sweetest and kindest adults were once children raised in loving and warm environments. That upbringing taught them to show that warmth and kindness to others. On the other hand, how many times have you met someone who seemed rude initially, only to later discover that they had a tragic childhood? These not-so-nice adults have probably been through pitfalls in their lives. Whether it was through words or actions, their childhood in some way influenced their current internal beliefs. Affirmations for kids can be the positive influence in their belief system that helps to fight off negative thoughts.
In other words, once you have a solid internal belief of what your life is, you see an external reflection of said belief. From there, you can further reinforce these thoughts by presenting yourself positively or negatively. This can create incredibly tough habits to break or good habits that can last you a lifetime. Luckily, with the rise of awareness of mental health, self-care and positive self-development–we are creating a change in our community. With affirmations, you can start your children off on the right track and lay the groundwork for success in their futures.
Why Affirmations for Children Work so Well
Children are more likely to believe what they’re told, even stories of the Boogieman. Most parents can admit that they use their children’s gullibility to trick them into some good-hearted fun. As a kid, my mother used to tell me that when I lie, my forehead turns green. Naturally, I would slap a hand to my face every time I fibbed. Now, how’s that for clever parenting?
Aside from disciplinary tactics and the occasional joke, the impressionability of a child can be a powerful tool for their development. Affirmations challenge beliefs. They show us that things we think about ourselves aren’t necessarily facts. These thoughts are malleable and can undergo great change with a little work.
This is a time where we’re realizing we can use affirmations as a gift for growth and positivity. Affirmations make children believe in their self-worth, self-efficacy, confidence, and even sympathy towards other kids. Children are in a critical period in their life where they are learning as they go. This is a stage where they are essentially sponges; they can either succumb to negativity in their surroundings or soak in the positive beliefs around them.
Affirmations are known to increase the self-esteem, morale, and confidence of those who use them. Children are no exception. A child who receives the benefits of reciting affirmations can experience better engagement with other children and an openness to try new things. By repeating positive phrases about themselves, kids build skills to realize their inner power and embody it daily. They can hone in on positive emotions like gratitude, one of the most beneficial feelings that instantly brightens everyone’s mood.
Benefits of Having Kids Practice Affirmations
Reciting affirmations can also help young ones learn the powerful habit of mindfulness at an early age. Mindfulness teaches us that we don’t always have control of our inner voice, but we don’t have to listen to it. Children who practice positive affirmations learn to own their emotions better and have more confidence. They develop emotional intelligence that enables them to understand the impact of their words as well as others. They can begin to understand how the power of their opinion of themselves ranks above all.
Affirmations, like many other things in life, can also make you much happier. A child’s life can seem happier, brighter, and more fortunate when they consistently tell themselves it will be. Once habits are formed, they extend into adulthood. Affirmations also teach children about intentions, or setting your motives for the day. These can make children more organized, helpful individuals in society.
Affirmations set a pattern that continues onward throughout a child’s life. They can create a pattern where they radiate positivity into everyone else they meet. Who doesn’t want a more positive world?
Affirmations for kids increase self-esteem. Children may be more susceptible to listening to what other people have to say about them. Taunting, teasing, and insults can be ingrained in their minds and come across as hurtful. These words can haunt them for the rest of their lives. Affirmations are an easy way to tackle these issues before they take root.
How Soon Can They Reap the Benefits?
Just like riding a bike, at first little kids fall off, but when they get back on, they find it’s much easier the second time. Building one’s self-image is the same practice. And the great news is the earlier you start, the better! Confidence is a lifelong skill that can be incredibly powerful if mastered. It determines some of your most important decisions in life, how others perceive you, and even the abundance you attract. As wonderful as it is, it’s not taught in schools, so parents and guardians must take the responsibility of making sure their kids are confident and capable wherever they go.
Which Affirmations For Kids Work Best?
Affirmations can be attuned to whatever issues you feel need improvement. When a child is struggling with sharing, they can use generosity affirmations. Perhaps they struggle with fear, they can use affirmations about courage. If they’re constantly asking for new toys and not playing with the ones they have, they can use gratitude affirmations. Children see a rapid improvement in their younger stages. For example, if your kid is afraid of heights, an affirmation like “I am big, strong, and can tackle any challenge” would come in handy. Encouraging children to make their own affirmations can be highly effective as well.
How Can Kids Get Started With Affirmations?
Children tend to believe what they say, and their beliefs are less rigid than adults. How often have you seen a kid put on a superhero costume and fly around as if they were Superwoman herself? They believe they can do anything; you just need to nudge them into this programming. When they see mommy, daddy, or any other authority figure reciting powerful words, they assimilate more easily into this habit.
Get your little one involved in reciting affirmations is to make a game out of these phrases. You can For instance, every time you see a certain color or symbol, you can say an affirmation. Get creative! Write down an affirmation for the week and get the entire family in on it. If your child has a phone, another wonderful way is to download an affirmation app for them. We have a free affirmations app that’s available on iOS or Android that will notify you throughout the day to help you practice. You can both share the affirmations you’ve received at the dinner table or before doing homework. If you want to start now, we’ve provided some affirmations your child can get started with below.
10 Affirmations for Kids To Build Confidence and Self-Esteem
- I am smart
- I am loved
- I can do anything I believe in
- I am perfect just the way I am
- I love my family and friends
- I am ready to learn
- I am going to have a great day
- I am thankful for today
- I get better every single day
- I have awesome friends
What is the impact?
Children who use positive affirmations are more likely to believe in themselves and engage well with others. We all play a role in influencing the world. For that reason, we should strive to monitor and influence children with as much positive reinforcement as possible. We can help the greater good by positively planting messages of encouragement in the younger generation, who will in turn create a brighter future for us all. Children are indeed the future, let’s make sure they know that.