Oftentimes, our thinking can cause us to focus on our insecurities, fears, and self-doubts. These negative thoughts end up distressing us further and turn an otherwise good day into one filled with dread, stress, and a bleak outlook. Changing negative thoughts is challenging, especially since positive thinking may not come naturally to some people, including children. But positive affirmations for kids can help turn things around. Not only will these daily affirmations offer new ways of thinking, but they can also help kids (and adults, for that matter!) overcome emotional challenges and improve mental health.

What are Positive Affirmations?

Simply put, positive affirmations are statements or phrases used to counter unhelpful or negative thoughts.

Practicing positive affirmations is simple; all you need to do is select a phrase and repeat it to yourself, focusing on what the affirmation is stating. If you often engage in negative self-talk, positive affirmations help combat these thought patterns and replace them with more constructive ones. Positive affirmations can create lasting, long-term changes to how you think and feel with regular practice, especially when used with other tools like character education posters.

Benefits of Positive Affirmations for Kids

There are many benefits to practicing positive affirmations. These include the following:

• Positive affirmations boost confidence
• Positive affirmations build resilience
• Positive affirmations help us with acknowledging challenges
• Positive affirmations can counter negativity
• Positive affirmations validate effort
• Positive affirmations help us practice positivity

Positive Affirmation for Kids About Self-Esteem and Confidence

It is especially important for kids to develop self-esteem and confidence early on. Here are some positive affirmations for self-esteem and confidence.

1. I am worthy of all the good things that happen in my life.
2. My emotions and feelings are valid and should be heard and listened to.
3. I inhale confidence and exhale fear.
4. I surround myself with people who bring out the best in me.
5. I forgive myself and others.
6. I know that I have good qualities and I recognize them in myself.
7. It’s okay to be proud of myself and my accomplishments. I worked hard for them.
8. I accept and love myself, while still striving to improve.
9. I have the power to create change in my life. I will make small changes today.
10. Challenges make me stronger, mistakes help me learn, and failures help me grow.

Positive Affirmation for Kids About Anger

Anger can be an unpleasant emotion to experience and is often difficult to control. Using specific positive affirmations for anger can help kids manage their feelings more productively.

1. I am cool, calm, and under control.
2. I can feel my anger and still stay in control.
3. I won’t take this personally. I’m not going to let this get to me.
4. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, and I can manage.
5. I can keep my mind focused on my goals rather than what I’m angry about.
6. I really don’t have to feel angry about this if I choose not to.
7. With every breath, I release the anger in me.
8. It is my choice to feel anger or peace. I choose peace.
9. This feeling is a reminder to slow down and take some deep breaths.
10. Dwelling on things I am angry about is not helpful for me to do.

Positive Affirmation for Kids About Embracing Challenges

Life is full of challenges, and learning to overcome them can be difficult for many people. Developing this skill as a child can be done with the help of positive affirmations.

1. I am grateful for adversity because it allows me to grow.
2. My strength is greater than any struggle.
3. I am equipped with all the tools I need to walk through this experience with dignity and grace.
4. I choose to find hopeful and optimistic ways to look at obstacles and roadblocks.
5. I let go of worries that drain my energy.
6. I may stumble, but I never stay on the ground.
7. My energy is not reserved for worrying. I use my energy to trust, believe, and have faith.
8. Obstacles are the foundation of my success.
9. I can do hard things.
10. I am resilient.

Positive Affirmation for Kids Every Morning

Starting the morning with positive statements can make all the difference to your day. Here are positive affirmations that kids can practice very morning.

1. I am confident.
2. I am getting better and better every day.
3. Today is a phenomenal day.
4. I am an unstoppable force of nature.
5. I am filled with focus.
6. I am grateful for everything I have in my life.
7. I can be whatever I want to be.
8. I am getting healthier every day.
9. I belong in this world; there are people that care about me and my worth.
10. Note to self: I am going to make you so proud.

Positive Affirmation for Kids About Kindness and Empathy

Kindness and empathy are skills that emotionally intelligent children and adults can benefit from honing. Here are some positive affirmations bout kindness and empathy that kids can learn from.

1. I find joy in being empathetic.
2. I find it a little easier to be empathetic every day.
3. I can always see things from other people’s perspectives.
4. I like to help others.
5. I know my life will improve if I show more empathy.
6. I can think of empathetic things to say to others.
7. I am comfortable showing the right amount of empathy in all situations.
8. I care about the way other people think.
9. I can tell the truth and speak my mind while still being sensitive.
10. I am a caring person, and it shows.

Positive Affirmation for Kids About Learning and Growth

Accepting that life is full of opportunities for learning and growth is all part of having a growth mindset. Here are some positive affirmations that can help children take charge of their learning and growth.

1. Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.
2. I am always changing and growing.
3. I learn something new every day.
4. I have many strengths, skills, and talents.
5. Stepping outside of my comfort zone is necessary for growth.
6. There are always opportunities for me to grow.
7. Strength comes from growth, and growth comes from challenges.
8. Even when I mess up, I shouldn’t be too hard on myself. Instead, I will learn from it.
9. Fear is preventing me from growing. So I let go of it.
10. It’s always a learning experience, no matter how bleak it is.

The Bottom Line

Practicing positive affirmations regularly can help boost your mood and alter your thinking patterns for the better. Practicing the affirmations above and using engaging tools like positive affirmation cards can also contribute to your ability to think critically and solve problems. You can also create your own meaningful phrases to repeat daily.