Positive Affirmation Cards for Kids: Free Printable 75 Affirmations

Positive affirmations are short, positive statements kids can say to themselves.

The fun part of affirmations with kids is letting them share all of their ideas. “I am a superhero!” or “I am the best kid ever!” or even “I am a K-Pop demon hunter!”

Well… this is where we talk about the difference between a desire for the future (hopes and dreams) and recognizing our current strengths (affirmations).

The hard part is keeping them there. “I am a Vikings fan” is true. It’s not the kind of morale-boosting affirmation we’re going for.

And some kids feel so negatively about themselves and their behavior that this is really hard. It can even make them sad. Choosing an affirmation that feels true and not fake may take time.

When a kid is stuck, ask what someone else says about them. What does your parent say about you? What does your favorite teacher say? And if they have a dog or a cat: what would your dog say they love about you?

Even if they keep it concrete, you can go a step further: “my dog says he likes that I give him treats” can be turned into “I am thoughtful” or “I am generous.” Then you can explain a little more about what those words mean and where else in their life they show generosity.

Scroll down for the list and free printable!

Why Are Positive Affirmations Important for Kids?

Positive affirmations can help children cope with difficult situations, such as bullying or a friend being unkind, and reduce negative self talk.

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.

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 praise and affirmations are 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.

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.

They pair well with these creative gratitude activities to inspire kids every day.

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

How Can Parents and Caregivers Use Positive Affirmations with Kids?

Use the printable affirmation cards in this post or create your own

Have kids pick a card each morning, or put one in their lunchbox. Read it out loud two to three times and have your child read it with you on their own.

Introduce affirmations at an early age

Start teaching positive affirmations to children as young as 3 or 4 years old. Repeat these words to your child every single day, and soon enough they will join you.

Practice consistently

Have kids repeat these “I am” statements daily, either in the morning before starting their day or at night before 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 strengths and values.

Ask the child or the group to think: who is someone that is really good at giving you a hug? What do they tell you when you get a hug from them, or when you see them? What do they often say they like about who you are?

Use visual aids

Use pictures, printable cards, yoga pose cards for kids, a vision board, or affirmation coloring pages.

Try doing a yoga pose with an affirmation (or deep breaths) too, using easy themed yoga poses for kids as a playful way to connect movement and positive self-talk!

Lead by example

Kids pick up how you talk about yourself. Say your own affirmations out loud around them.

When a class gets away from me, I pause and say my own feeling out loud: “I’m feeling frustrated and I can reset.” Then I own my part in it before I ask anything of the kids. You go first because you can.

Try a mindfulness breathing exercise at the same time

Affirmations pair well with breathing exercises for kids. These mindfulness videos for kids offer simple, guided practices to get started.

For more ways to settle, try these quick and effective calm down strategies for kids.

Take a deep breath with them as you say the affirmation together, finding focus and calm in the present moment.

How to Use Positive Affirmation Cards

Affirmation cards pair well with engaging yoga sequences for kids that connect movement and affirming language. Here are some ways to use positive affirmation cards:

• Create a daily routine: Encourage kids to read and repeat a positive affirmation card every day, either in the morning or before bed.
• Display them prominently: Place positive affirmation cards in visible locations, such as on a fridge, mirror, or bulletin board, to remind kids of positive thoughts throughout the day.
• Use them in the classroom: see the ideas below, plus these fun ways to teach kids yoga in a class to support movement and mindfulness.
• Make it a family activity: Use positive affirmation cards as a family activity, where everyone can read and repeat affirmations together.
• Create an affirmation wall: Encourage kids to put up an affirmation wall in their bedroom or playroom, where they can display their favorite positive affirmation cards.

For movement to go with the cards, try these quick yoga flow sequences that help kids slow down.

Using Positive Affirmations in a Classroom Setting

Morning Meetings

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

The hard part is when kids can’t think of one. So I write a list on the board first. Let three or four kids give an example, and now you have a visual ready for a call and response.

Then do a whip-around: a fast share from each kid, one word or one sentence.

Positive Affirmation Stations

Create touch points around the classroom where students can go to read or write positive affirmations if they need a fresh start.

This doesn’t need to be a full station. It can be a spot in the calm down corner or a sign by the water fountain: a quick pick-me-up where a kid can touch the image or phrase on the wall that feels true.

Or keep small slips of paper there that a kid can bring back to their desk after a rough time. The paper stays in a pocket or their desk, to look at when they need a reminder.

The affirmation rocks we make can also live in a jar. A kid picks one up and examines it during a tough moment, then returns it for a friend to use later.

Use During Transitions

A short chant gives kids something to say with their bodies while they move. One we use as we line up:

“I’m standing straight and tall, and I’m ready for the hall.”

Sometimes I just make up a song and sing it. For walking into a classroom of older kids to do read-alouds:

“Smile, smile, wave, wave, standing tall and feeling brave.”

Fourth graders are so scary when you’re in kindergarten and have to show them you know your sight words.

Art Activities

Try this sunshine affirmations craft with your students or kids for some hands-on learning. Or make a beautiful collage of the wonderful things you love.

For a movement version, play the Yogi Says kids yoga game. You can also use printable coloring pages with positive quotes.

Positive Affirmations for Kindergarteners

For the youngest kids, keep affirmations short and sweet.

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

Pick a few 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 ask for help when I need it.

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.

Get the Free Printable Affirmation Cards

Get your free printable affirmations below!