Every parent wants to raise a child who feels confident, calm and in control. But no matter how much you tell them how wonderful they are, there is nothing as powerful as their own inner voice. This is especially true for children, which is why it’s important to teach them the power of their own self-talk.
As a teacher, mom and parenting coach affirmations are a tool I use professionally and personally. I have seen first hand how effective positive affirmations for kids can be both at home and in the classroom.
If you have a child who is struggling to overcome a challenging situation or behavior, a morning affirmation session may give them the boost of confidence they need to make progress.
Practicing daily affirmations with children can help them to develop a positive self image and show them the power that we have over our own thoughts and actions.
– Lauren Tingley @simplywellbalanced
It is also a great activity to bond with your child and develop a stronger relationship.
Over time and with practice the positive words will become ingrained into their minds and hearts. The words will help your child form a positive self-image and develop a strong sense of self-esteem.
Because positive phrases can be a powerful tool for a variety of situations and age groups, I created this list of children’s affirmations and then organized it into different categories based on age group and scenario.
You can scroll through the list to find the category that works best for the skills or situation you are looking for.
How to Use Affirmations with Kids
There are many ways to introduce the practice of daily affirmations to children.
It’s always best to keep the sessions brief and fun. No child wants to sit for 30 minutes reciting a ton of statements, and doing so would make the process boring and less effective.
It’s best to choose 1-3 affirmations to focus on at a time, depending on the situation.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Choose an affirmation that you think would be beneficial to your child. Say it to them out loud and have them repeat it back to you.
- Write an affirmation on their bathroom mirror for them to read and repeat each morning.
- Include a note in their lunchbox with a positive quote or saying for them to read to themselves.
- Create flashcards from the list of positive affirmations and have them choose one out of a box each day before heading off to school.
- If your child is having trouble at school, choose an affirmation that matches their challenge and have them say it as they get out of the car each morning. Also share it with their teacher for additional support throughout the day.
- Include an affirmation as part of your bedtime routine.
- For older tweens and teens you can text them an affirmation to focus on each day that is shared just between the two of you.
- Teachers can use them as “Morning Messages” on the whiteboard or laminate them on a ring and have each student read one as they enter the classroom.
Powerful Daily Affirmations For Kids
Below you will find a list of simple affirmations that are an easy way to increase your child’s positive outlook and help them to develop inner strength.
“I am” Affirmations for Kids
I am loved.
I am safe.
I am a good friend.
I am helpful.
I am friendly.
I am kind.
I am thankful.
I am courageous.
I am gentle.
I am forgiving.
I am honest.
Morning Affirmations for Kids
I am excited for today.
My family and friends love me.
I am thankful for being who I am.
Today is a new day.
Today is going to be great.
I am thankful for today and what it will bring.
Good things are going to happen today.
Preschool and Kindergarten Affirmations
I play well with others.
I am happy to be at school.
I have a great imagination.
I take care of my belongings.
School is a safe place.
My grown up always comes back at the end of the day.
I follow directions.
I listen to my teacher.
I share with others.
I am a good example to others.
I play nicely.
My teachers love me.
Positive Affirmations for Elementary Students
Life is fun.
My future is up to me!
I help others.
I make good choices.
I always do my best.
I am a good listener.
I make friends easily.
I enjoy school.
I enjoy learning.
I have good friends.
I love to learn.
I am proud of myself.
I am a hard worker.
I am a leader.
I am awesome.
I have good friends.
I am a good friend.
I am a good student.
I am thoughtful & kind.
I am ready to learn.
Confidence Building Affirmations
I can do hard things.
I am brave.
I am unique.
I am confident.
I like myself.
I am perfect just the way I am.
I am awesome.
I am a good friend
I can do great things.
I am very creative.
I am important.
I can do anything.
I believe in myself.
I am strong.
Calming Affirmations for Kids
I am calm.
I am protected.
I am peaceful.
I am in control of my thoughts.
I am in control of my body.
I will take deep breaths.
I care about others.
I respect others.
I forgive others.
I am breathing slowly and deeply.
I can calm down.
Everything is ok.
I have happy thoughts.
I have patience.
Growth Mindset Affirmations
I learn from my mistakes.
I can solve problems.
I can become what I want to be.
I will finish what I start.
I reach my goals.
I get better every day.
I don’t give up.
I will try again.
Next time I will be even better.
Next time that will be easier.
Tomorrow I will make better choices.
Children’s Bedtime Affirmations
I love my family & friends.
I am loved and important.
Tomorrow is a new day.
I am safe in my room.
I am safe in my bed.
I will have good dreams.
My body will rest and grow while I sleep.
I will feel better in the morning.
As you can see from the list, it is best to keep children’s affirmations short and to the point. This allows them to memorize them and really focus on the statement they are saying aloud or to themselves.
Positive thinking can be a powerful tool against negative self-talk and can help kids develop a more positive attitude about themselves.
With time and practice, these positive statements will become a part of their subconscious thought and they will naturally be inclined to feel confident, calm and in control of their own thoughts, ideas and actions.
Use the positive affirmation list as part of your daily routine as a fun activity to teach your child about the power of positivity.
Remember to grab a copy of this printable list of helpful affirmations for kids.
More Positive Parenting Ideas:
- 50 Simple Parent-Child Bonding Activities
- 100 Empowering Self-Confidence Quotes for Girls
- 101 Calming Activities for Kids
- How to Make a Happy Home: 10 Habits That Make A Difference
- Words to Describe a Child’s Behavior and Personality
- How to Teach Your Child to Think for Themselves
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