Positive affirmations are statements designed to build self-esteem through changing negative self-talk, says Jayne Augoye, founder Fabmumng.com, an online lifestyle and parenting resource to empower mums. Positive affirmations for children can do a lot to assist them in developing healthy self-esteem.

You can also target some for the purposes of having an easier time with their schoolwork or for other issues like handling bullies. It also makes children feel good about themselves and helps them embrace their positive qualities.

“Keep it fun and encouraging. Affirmations teaches a child new and positive ways of thinking. Moreso, a recent study has shown that speaking positively about us to ourselves out loud actually changes our brains.”
[ad]
An article in Science of Us details the results of brain scan research proving the effectiveness of self-affirmations. During the study, participants visualised themselves in an area of value such as family and friends, humour or politics. Their positive affirmations resulted in self-focused brain activity when thinking of future scenarios.

On the kind of affirmations parents should imbibe, Augoye said that the best kinds are the short and straight-to-the-point kind of affirmations because they are easier to grasp and say. Examples are: I am loved, I am brilliant, I am a star, I pass my exams, I am smart, and I am beautiful. As your child grows older, you can begin to introduce longer texts.

She added that affirmations are more effective when repeated and it’s best to repeat an affirmation three times, saying the words louder and with more confidence each time. “You may like to work on one affirmation a day or one a week, depending on how confident your child is with each affirmation. The ideal time to let your child read the affirmations is either in the morning or just before going to sleep. During these times your kid’s subconscious is more open to the affirmations,” she advised.

The parenting enthusiast and mum said that the great thing about affirmations is that they can come in different forms and they could be in audio, visuals, and even written.

For the latter, affirmation cards are a great way to go about it. If you choose to adopt the affirmation cards methods, you can either customise your own affirmations, which will be tailored to suit your kids. Once done, have them printed and laminated in hard copy and pasted around the areas in your home where your child can easily see them.

“Additionally, if you are pressed for time, you can always download and print various affirmations from free websites online. What makes affirmation such a great tool for instilling confidence in your child is the fact that mere reading the words to your kids can affirm positive beliefs.”

Here are a few affirmations for kids, which are statement suggestions:

• I am healthy and am growing up well.
• I have persistence in what I believe in.
• Miracles happen to me all the time.
. I am very creative.
• Ideas for problem solving come easily and quickly to me.
• I am a great listener.
• My family, friends and teachers love me for who I am.
• I read, write and learn fast.
• I absorb knowledge like a sponge and am able to apply what I have learnt.
• I do my best for my studies.
• I am attentive in class.
• I am a natural in _ (sports).
• I am on top of my classes.
• I enjoy challenging myself in new ideas, possibilities and directions.
• I turn failures into opportunities for success.
• I handle all my responsibilities and tasks well.
• I enjoy eating healthy snacks.
• I love my body.
• I am honest and trustworthy.
• I choose to look for the best way forward for myself.
[ad]