We live in a society where it's almost second nature to put our needs and wants behind others. Whether it’s working a job, we don’t enjoy supporting a family, staying home to take care of children, working late to impress our boss, or never saying “no” to volunteering for school fundraisers.
You feel like you are always on the go… and much of your daily work requires some sacrifice. But at what price?
Self-care and mindfulness practices are crucial to our emotional and physical well-being… and children are no exception.
Just as adults benefit from these things, positive affirmations can put kids in the right mindset to start their day and ward off negativity. If your children are very young, reciting these affirmations with them can be as effective as saying them on their own.
Why Affirmations Are Important for Kids
Reciting affirmations is a calming and effective way to redirect your thinking and focus for the day. It is a statement of what you desire from life and a way to lift your spirits and boost your self-confidence. Morning is the ideal time for affirmations, but they have also proven effective at bedtime to promote a good night’s sleep.
Kids face challenges just as we do. While they may not carry the same financial burdens as adults, they still worry about many of the same things. Things like:
As parents, caregivers, and educators, our goal is for our children to grow up to be happy, well-adjusted, and physically and mentally healthy. We want our children to be good, confident, and successful. And that is only possible if a solid foundation is laid when they are young.
Teaching children the art of reciting positive affirmations at an early age will help ensure their lives are everything you want for them… and, more importantly, what they want and deserve for themselves.
They can recite them on their own or with you. It doesn’t matter how they do it, just that they do.
115 Positive Affirmations For Kids
The following is a list of affirmations for kids designed to quell anxieties and inspire them! Feel free to use them or create your own.
- My parents love me more than anything.
- I have true friends.
- I have a roof over my head and fresh water to drink.
- Nobody in the world is exactly like me. I am a snowflake.
- I won’t just dream big; I will act big.
- I am an eagle, soaring as high as I want to go.
- There are no hurdles to success if you refuse to jump over them.
- If I believe nothing is impossible, I will realize everything is possible.
- There is no sense in worrying until there is something to worry about.
- Most of our worries never come to be, yet they all pass.
- Time heals everything.
- Embrace your anxieties, acknowledge them… then let them go.
- Breathe deep and picture a perfect moment.
- I’m alive!
- At this moment, all is well in my world.
- I’m grateful for the love and kindness of others.
- I will get back what I put out there.
- I have many talents.
- I am smart in my way.
- Intelligence isn’t only measured in academics, it’s measured in how we perceive things.
- Some things will come easy for me, and some will be hard. The difficult ones are the ones that build character.
- I will never give up.
- “There is no try, only do” – Yoda
- My siblings are my best friends.
- Nobody should ever make me feel insecure.
- I will only surround myself with people who build me up, not tear me down.
- I am special.
- Today is a gift.
- Failure is not an option.
- Setbacks make us stronger.
- I am creative.
- I am brave.
- My voice matters.
- My feelings matter.
- I have big ideas!
- When things are going badly, they can only get better.
- I’m a student of life.
- I have faith.
- God is good all the time. All the time, God is good.
- I am happy.
- I appreciate everything my family does for me.
- I am thankful for my teachers.
- I love to run and jump and play.
- I am writing my own story.
- Fear will never defeat me if I don’t let it in.
- Nothing is standing in my way.
- Today is going to be a great day!
- I’m proud of myself.
- I’m beautiful inside and out.
- When I grow up, I will be great at whatever I do.
- My happiness is more important than anything else.
- I love my bedroom.
- I love my clothes.
- I am lucky to have so many toys and games.
- I am the main character in my favorite movie.
- Imagine where I feel safest and hold onto that when I’m scared.
- Nobody can hurt me unless I let them.
- I am worthy.
- I am confident.
- I am healthy.
- I show kindness to others, even if they hurt me.
- You never know what someone else is going through.
- Bullies are sad inside and lack self-esteem.
- Mean people can only hurt me if I allow their attacks to bother me.
- Everyone deserves forgiveness.
- Sometimes, it’s ok to walk away.
- Baby steps are giant leaps in disguise.
- I am the best version of myself.
- I am a good friend.
- I am a good son/daughter.
- I am a good person.
- I love my laugh.
- It’s ok to cry.
- It is ok to let myself feel sadness, but I will never let it take away my happiness.
- I have a purpose.
- I can breathe the fresh air.
- Nature is beautiful.
- I may miss something extraordinary if I don’t open my eyes to what is happening around me.
- All lives are valuable.
- I am not better than anybody else, but I am not less than them, either.
- I am a superhero in my way.
- I have powers inside me that nobody can see unless I let them.
- I am mighty!
- The smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact.
- Smiling is contagious.
- Things may be tough, but so am I.
- I’ve got this.
- I am worthy of someone’s time.
- I won’t be ignored.
- I choose to lead, not follow.
- I will never turn my back on those in need.
- I will never be mean to others.
- I am a fighter.
- I am going to have an amazing life!
- I am not alone in this world.
- This planet is worth saving.
- This life is only one part of my story.
- I will listen to my feelings.
- I will quiet my mind and not let negativity in.
- I am a work of art that isn’t finished.
- I am a photograph that needs developing.
- I will stop to appreciate something beautiful today.
- I will give everything I have every day.
- I will never go to bed angry.
- I will share my feelings with my friends and family.
- I must bloom and shed my insecurities like a flower sheds its petals.
- I have magic inside me.
- I am content.
- I will see the glass as half full.
- My negative thoughts won’t defeat me.
- I will pick myself up and never stay down.
- Education is power.
- I will learn from my mistakes and become better.
- I am a cake that is not done cooking yet.
- I will not look back, only forward.
How to Use Affirmations For Kids
These can be adjusted depending on the age of your child… and are just some ways to incorporate affirmations into their day. Also, if your child sees that you practice reciting affirmations, they may be more inclined to participate.
Final Thoughts on Positive Affirmations for Kids
Affirmations are one of the most powerful tools for promoting self-confidence, self-awareness, and mental health. When you feel good about yourself and believe anything is possible, failing is next to impossible.
Your children owe it to themselves to be the best versions of themselves, to flourish and be truly happy. When they are young, they may require some help from you.
They look to you as a source for guidance and safety, and they look to you to feel worthy and loved. Positive affirmations will help ensure they travel down a path to where they want to go.
If you want a handy version of this article, we've included a downloadable and printable version of these questions below. Just click the button for free instant access to these 115 positive affirmations for kids.
Finally, if you want to level up your parenting skills, then check out this resource that will show you how to get your kids to listen WITHOUT yelling, nagging, or losing control.
Nicole Krause has been writing both personally and professionally for over 20 years. She holds a dual B.A. in English and Film Studies. Her work has appeared in some of the country’s top publications, major news outlets, online publications, and blogs. As a happily married (and extremely busy) mother of four… her articles primarily focus on parenting, marriage, family, finance, organization, and product reviews.