Affirmations are statements or phrases that we repeat frequently to ourselves to create a more positive mindset, and therefore a more fulfilled life. Our mind is a powerful tool that is programmed by repetition. The words that are said to us (by ourselves or others) are powerful and can become the inner voice and beliefs that then guide our actions and decisions. By saying daily affirmations, we can encourage our thoughts to be more positive and therefore more conducive to successful outcomes. What we believe becomes our own truth.
As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Believe you can and you’re halfway there”. It is, therefore, crucial that we teach children to become the master of their own minds and positive affirmations are a great tool to get them into the habit of speaking kindly to themselves. How many of us say things to ourselves that we wouldn’t dream of saying to someone else? Words hurt, even when they are in our own heads. Positive affirmations force us to extend the same kindness and positivity to ourselves as we do to others and remind us of our brilliance.
Here are 7 affirmations that I believe will help children (and adults) to have self-belief and step into being their best and most authentic selves:
1
I am safe and loved
Many of us worry about all sorts of different things. We anticipate what is going to happen in the future, and this can lead to negative feelings. Most of what we worry about never happens but knowing this does not stop our brains from overthinking and sometimes leading us down a negative path. When you’re feeling like this, the embrace of someone we love can make all the difference because it makes us feel safe and loved. These two emotions are powerful and can make all the difference to how we feel. By repeating this affirmation every day, we can train our brain to exist in this state, which will therefore help us to be calmer and more settled.
2
I am perfectly imperfect
In the words of Winston Churchill: “Perfectionism is the enemy of progress”. Mistakes are a part of learning something new and when they are used as a tool for growth, they are imperative to progress. Our brilliance lives outside of our comfort zone and to reach it, we must do things we’ve never done, which puts us at risk of failure. Nobody is perfect and we are all learning as we go. By repeating this affirmation, we give ourselves permission to be imperfect, which opens the door to life’s lessons and welcomes failure as a tool for growth.
3
I talk about my feelings
Self-regulation and self-awareness are so important in life because they give us the ability to manage our own behaviour and reactions. Talking about our feelings allows us to identify our emotions and therefore gives us more opportunity to regulate them. It also gives us an outlet and prevents things from getting bottled up. By saying this affirmation, we remind ourselves to be more open with our thoughts, feelings and emotions, which will, in turn, help us to process them.
4
I ask for help when I need it
Suffering in silence and feeling that we must do everything on our own can be damaging to our mental health. We all have different life experiences and skills therefore other people in our lives will often be able to shine a different perspective on things that are causing us difficulty. By asking for help, it often dilutes our problems and leads to a quicker solution. Saying this affirmation will remind children that they have a support network and make them feel more secure.
5
I am good enough
We all shine in our own way and it’s important to focus on what we can do, rather than what we can’t. In today’s social media driven society, we live in a world where everyone compares themselves and strives for a ‘filtered’ and unrealistic version of perfection. By believing we are good enough just as we are, we can play to our strengths and keep our self-worth intact. This affirmation will ground children and encourage them to identify and value their strengths and attributes.
6
I keep trying and learn from mistakes
In the words of Jim Watkins: “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” Talent or skill is nothing without the ability to persist. The road to success will be full of harsh lessons and blocks, so our ability to keep going and not quit will be the key to reaching our potential. Seeing mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow will keep our self-esteem intact at challenging times and will therefore give us the resilience we need to jump the hurdles presented on our journey to success. By saying this affirmation, children will alter their perception of failure and start using it as a springboard to propel themselves forward in life.
7
Politeness, patience, honesty, positivity, and kindness are my superpowers
These five attributes are so simple, yet they hold more power than we could ever imagine. If we see these as our superpowers and use them daily, we will have a happier and smoother road in life. This affirmation teaches children that we are all silent superheroes donning powers that are disguised as simple and positive attributes.
These seven affirmations repeated daily with children will instil messages that can subconsciously alter their views of the world. As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right”. The narrative that we create for ourselves, and our lives will become our truth, therefore it is important that we take control and create a positive internal dialogue that is conducive to the life we want to live. Saying daily affirmations with children won’t magically create a perfect life for them. However, it will remind them of their brilliance, get them into the habit of positive self-talk and will instil beliefs that will support them on their journey to success.
(These are also 7/12 of the messages in the Early Years Story Box rhyming storybooks that are designed to nurture well-being and happiness in children).
About the author:
Stacey Kelly, the creative mind behind Early Years Story Box, wears the dual hats of writer and illustrator. Her storybooks are carefully crafted to teach various life lessons whilst guiding children towards their subsequent developmental stages. Stacey's overarching goal is to extend her reach and offer support to a multitude of children through the engaging medium of storytelling.
About the author:
Stacey Kelly, the creative mind behind Early Years Story Box, wears the dual hats of writer and illustrator. Her storybooks are carefully crafted to teach various life lessons whilst guiding children towards their subsequent developmental stages. Stacey's overarching goal is to extend her reach and offer support to a multitude of children through the engaging medium of storytelling.
About the author:
Stacey Kelly, the creative mind behind Early Years Story Box, wears the dual hats of writer and illustrator. Her storybooks are carefully crafted to teach various life lessons whilst guiding children towards their subsequent developmental stages. Stacey's overarching goal is to extend her reach and offer support to a multitude of children through the engaging medium of storytelling.