75 Positive Affirmations for Kids: Building Resilience, Kindness, and Self-esteem

What are Positive Affirmations for Kids?

Positive affirmations are powerful tools that can help children develop a strong sense of self-worth and resilience, and greatly impact a child’s self esteem.

They are positive statements or phrases that children can repeat to themselves to promote a positive mindset, calm their inner voice, and boost their self-esteem.

Saying encouraging words to oneself is a powerful tool to help kids create a positive self-image. They are simple yet effective ways to instill confidence, self-awareness, and strength in children.

Scroll down for the list and free printable!

Why Are Positive Affirmations Important for Kids?

Positive affirmations for kids are important because they have the power to shape a child’s thoughts and beliefs about themselves.

When children regularly practice daily affirmations, they are more likely to have a growth mindset and believe in their abilities to overcome challenges. They can release negative thoughts and increase positive thinking.

Kids who have a positive sense of self are more confident, happy, eager to try new things, and able to be ok with their mistakes, which leads to learning.

Positive affirmations also promote kindness and empathy towards others, which can lead to healthier relationships and a kinder world.

*Please note positive affirmations are not a substitute for other types of mental health care. Use caution with affirmations for children who have severe depression*

Is Positive Praise the Same as an Affirmation?

Both positive praise and affirmations are incredibly valuable for a child’s emotional growth and development.

When grown-ups provide praise to a child, it builds confidence and helps them understand appropriate behavior in different situations. It also fosters healthy relationships and creates a light and uplifting atmosphere.

Positive affirmations (or self-praise) are equally important as they help children develop a strong sense of self-worth that is not reliant on external validation. Giving yourself those words of praise is a powerful way to get rid of negative feelings and know that your voice matters.

Teaching children how to affirm their worth cultivates a growth mindset and enhances their self-image, leading to lifelong skills in self-regulation and a genuine sense of self-acceptance.

So yes, give your child praise and recognition, but also teach them these amazing positive affirmations and make it a routine part of your day!

How Can Parents and Caregivers Use Positive Affirmations with Kids?

Here are some tips for parents and caregivers to effectively use positive affirmations with kids:

Introduce affirmations at an early age

Start teaching positive affirmations to children as young as 3 or 4 years old. This will help them develop a habit of positive feelings. Repeat these words to your child every single day, and soon enough they will join you.

Practice consistently

Encourage children to repeat these “I am” statements daily, either in the morning before starting their day or at night before going to bed.

Pick a time of day, and stick with it! Morning affirmations are a great way to start the day with positive energy.

Personalize the affirmations

Help children create personalized affirmations that align with their individual goals and values. This will make the statements more meaningful and powerful for them.

Use visual aids

Children learn better through visuals, so using pictures, affirmation cards, or a vision board can make affirmations more engaging and fun for them. Trying doing a yoga pose with an affirmation (or deep breaths) too!

Lead by example

Parents and caregivers should also practice positive self-talk and affirmations to show their children the importance of self-love and a growth mindset.

Try a Mindfulness breathing exercise at the same time

Combining affirmations with mindful breathing enhances their effectiveness. Encourage children to take deep breaths while repeating affirmations, helping them focus and find calm in the present moment.

Using Positive Affirmations in a Classroom Setting

Positive affirmations for kids are a great tool to use in a classroom to promote a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Here are some great ideas for how teachers can incorporate affirmations into their school day:

Morning Meetings

Start each day with a morning meeting where students can share their favorite positive affirmations or pass one around the circle.

Positive Affirmation Stations

Create stations around the classroom where students can go to read or write positive affirmations if they need a fresh start. This can include a designated affirmation wall, a jar to choose an affirmation card, or an affirmation journal

Use During Transitions

Incorporate affirmations during transition times with a chant or an affirmations rhyme. This will help children stay focused, united, and motivated throughout the day.

Art Activities

Try this adorable sunshine affirmations craft with your students or kids to spread positivity and build self-confidence. Or make a beautiful collage of the wonderful things you love.

Positive Affirmations for Kindergarteners

For the littlest kiddos and students, it can help to keep your affirmations short and sweet. Even short positive phrases are powerful statements for kids to help them feel ready for an amazing day.

1. I am calm.
2. I am kind.
3. I am a good friend.
4. I am brave.
5. I am smart.
6. I am loved.
7. I am unique.
8. I am helpful.
9. I am curious.
10. I am an amazing person.

Examples of Positive Affirmations for Kids

Whether you are at school in a classroom, or at home in your bathroom in front of the mirror, use these positive affirmations for kids and say them loud and proud!

Self-Esteem

1. I am smart and capable.
2. I believe in myself and my abilities.
3. I am unique and special.
4. I am loved just the way I am.
5. I am proud of myself and my achievements.

Resilience

6. I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way.
7. I am strong and resilient.
8. I learn from my mistakes and grow stronger.
9. I have the power to bounce back from any setback.
10. I can keep trying.

Kindness

11. I am kind and compassionate toward others.
12. I choose to spread happiness and positivity.
13. I treat others with respect and kindness.
14. I am a friend who listens and supports.
15. I make a difference in the world with my acts of kindness.

Creativity

16. I am full of imagination.
17. I have creative ideas.
18. I am an artist.
19. I am open to new possibilities and ideas.
20. I love exploring my creative talents.

Strength

21. I am strong, both physically and emotionally.
22. I can handle any challenge that comes my way.
23. I can make good choices for myself.
24. I stand up for what is right and fair.
25. I believe in myself.

Adaptability

26. I am flexible and open to change.
27. I embrace new situations with confidence.
28. I am a problem solver.
29. I can try new things.
30. I am adaptable and resilient in any situation.

Persistence

31. I never give up, even when things get tough.
32. I am determined to achieve my goals.
33. I work hard.
34. I always do my best.
35. I can keep trying.

Self-Love

36. I am strong, unique, and a good person.
37. I treat myself with kindness and compassion.
38. I can do what’s best for me.
39. I am worthy of love and happiness.
40. I love myself.

Gratitude

41. I am grateful for what I have.
42. I can find joy in anything.
43. I am grateful for my family.
44. I choose to focus on the positive.
45. I am thankful for today.

Growth

46. I am always learning something new.
47. I am growing every day.
48. I can learn from my mistakes.
49. I am stronger every day.
50. I’m going to be the very best me.

Confidence

51. I believe in my abilities and strengths.
52. I am phenomenal.
53. I make good choices.
54. I can do hard things.
55. I am brave and can face challenges every day.

Empathy

56. I respect the feelings of others.
57. I listen with an open heart and mind.
58. I can put myself in someone else’s shoes.
59. I show compassion towards others.
60. I can understand others and be kind.

Peace

61. I am peaceful.
62. I can let go of negative thoughts and emotions.
63. I am a good listener.
64. I am forgiving.
65. I can create my own happiness.

Community

66. I value others.
67. I contribute to my community.
68. I have good friends.
69. I am good at sharing.
70. I am part of a good community.

Present Moment

71. I am in the present moment.
72. I can let go of worries about the past or future.
73. I am mindful of my actions and surroundings.
74. I find joy in simple moments.
75. Today is an amazing day.

Start Spreading Positive Thoughts Amongst Kids Today

Incorporating positive thinking into children’s daily routines can have a profound impact on their emotional well-being and overall development.

Encourage them to repeat these affirmations regularly, guiding them towards a mindset of self-belief, kindness, and resilience.

Let’s empower our children to embrace their strengths, overcome challenges, and grow into confident and compassionate individuals.

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