My Go-To Affirmations I Say to My Kindergarten-Aged Son

Introduction

Welcome to the world of affirmations, a simple yet profound practice I share with my kindergarten-aged son every day.Affirmations are positive statements that, when spoken regularly, have the power to transform our thoughts and emotions.They're like seeds planted in the fertile soil of young minds, growing into strong beliefs that shape how children see themselves and their abilities.Scientists have shown that affirmations can positively influence a child's brain, encouraging a mindset filled with confidence, resilience, and happiness.Through this practice, we not only strengthen our bond but also lay down the foundation for a lifetime of positive thinking.

My Personal List of Go-To Affirmations

When speaking to my son, these are the affirmations I focus on and the reasons behind each.

Affirmations for Building Self-Esteem and Confidence

• "You can do anything you set your mind to." - Helps him believe in his abilities.

• "You are brave." - Encourages him to face new challenges without fear.

• "I am proud of you, no matter what." - Assures him that my love and pride are unconditional.

• "It's okay to make mistakes; that's how you learn." - Teaches him not to fear failure.

Affirmations for Encouraging Kindness and Empathy

• "Always be kind to others." - Reminds him of the importance of treating people well.

• "Your words can make someone's day better." - Shows him the power of positive words.

• "It's important to share with friends." - Encourages generous behavior.

• "We listen when others are speaking." - Teaches respect and empathy.

Affirmations for Reinforcing the Love and Support of Family

• "Your family loves you very much." - Ensures he feels secure and loved.

• "We are here for you whenever you need us." - Lets him know he has a support system.

• "Home is a place where you are always welcome." - Creates a sense of belonging.

• "We stick together as a family." - Builds a strong family bond.

These affirmations are simple but powerful. Saying them regularly helps my son feel confident, kind, and loved.

Crafting Your Own Set of Affirmations

Creating your own affirmations that speak directly to your or your child's heart can be a meaningful activity. Here are some simple tips to make them impactful.

Simple and Clear

Your affirmations should be easy to understand. Think about the age of the person who will be using them. For young children, choose words they already know and phrases that are easy for them to repeat.

Always Positive

Make sure each affirmation starts with a positive message. Avoid negatives like "don't" or "can't." Instead of saying "I don't give up," say "I keep trying until I succeed."

Be Specific

General statements are less powerful than specific ones. Instead of saying "I am good," you might say "I am a good friend because I share and listen."

Integrating Affirmations into Daily Routines

Making affirmations a regular part of your child's day can help them grow into confident and resilient individuals.

Setting Up a Daily Affirmation Routine

• Morning Affirmations - Start the day on a positive note. You could say affirmations together while getting dressed or eating breakfast. Pick affirmations that energize and set a positive tone for the day.

• Bedtime Affirmations - End the day calmly and positively. After brushing teeth and just before bedtime stories, you can recite affirmations that encourage restful sleep and reinforce your love and support.

Affirmations Throughout the Day

• Meal Times - Use meal times to share affirmations related to gratitude and health. For instance, "I am thankful for this food" or "I make healthy choices."

• Playtime - Encourage affirmations that celebrate creativity and friendship during play. Examples include "I am a good friend" or "My imagination knows no bounds."

Using Affirmations as Tools for Difficult Times

• When your child feels upset or faces a challenge, guide them to use affirmations that remind them of their strengths and resilience. For example, if they're feeling nervous about a school presentation, remind them, "I am brave and can handle challenges."

• Create a 'go-to' list of affirmations for tough situations, such as dealing with disappointment ("It's okay to feel sad, but I know I'll feel better soon") or overcoming fears ("I am stronger than my fears").

Beyond Words - Supporting Affirmations with Actions

Supporting affirmations with actions is just as important as saying them.When parents and caregivers show behaviors and attitudes that match the affirmations, it helps children truly believe and live those positive messages.For example, if you use affirmations about kindness, showing kindness through your own actions teaches children how to be kind in real situations.Consistency in using affirmations and patience in waiting for them to take root is key.Over time, these practices help children internalize the positive messages, making them a natural part of their thought patterns and behaviors.

Observing the Impact - What to Expect

When you start using affirmations with your child, the changes might not be instant, but over time, you'll likely see subtle yet significant differences in their behavior and mindset.One of the first signs might be an increase in confidence. They might try new activities without as much fear or hesitation.You could also notice a boost in their overall happiness and how they express themselves more positively about challenges.From personal experience, the positive changes in my son were heartwarming.After consistently using affirmations focused on kindness and self-worth, I noticed he became more willing to share and was quicker to offer help to both friends and family members.His teachers also commented on his increased participation in class and willingness to take on leadership roles in group projects.These observations confirmed the power of affirmations.It's important to keep adapting and updating the affirmations you use as your child grows and their world expands.

Conclusion

Affirmations offer a simple yet powerful way to support the emotional and mental growth of kindergarten-aged children.These positive statements can significantly boost their self-esteem, resilience, and outlook on life.Starting this practice early sets the foundation for a positive mindset that benefits them throughout their lives.The long-term value of teaching kids to affirm themselves cannot be overstated; it equips them with the inner tools needed to face life's challenges with confidence and grace.

Resources

https://opi.mt.gov/Portals/182/Page%20Files/Early%20Childhood/Docs/14EarlyLearningStandards.pdf

https://www.ndhealth.gov/injury/publications/resiliency%20building%20activities.pdf