180+ Positive Affirmations For Kids To Boost Motivation And Confidence (2024)

Looking for positive affirmations meant just for kids? These short affirmations can be used daily to boost your child’s confidence in any situation!

You’ve taught your kids to tie their shoes, brush their teeth, and even a few cooking skills.

But have you introduced them to one of the most important life skills of all – taking care of their emotional health?

Unlike any other skill we teach our kids, cultivating emotional intelligence can literally shape their lives.

But don’t let that intimidate you.

Yes, it’s a pretty important skill to teach, but don’t worry – it’s incredibly easy to get started.

And chances are, you’re probably already well on your way. (And that’s good news because the last thing you need is yet another thing to stress about when it comes to your children!)

While there are many ways to help kids develop emotional grit, one that often gets overlooked is the power of words – especially words they say to themselves.

Sounds simple enough, right?

Whether you have experience with positive affirmations or not, by the time you’re done reading this post, you’ll have everything you need to get your kids started with this simple, but powerful tool – including over 180 affirmations to help them through any situation!

Here’s what you’ll find in this post:

• What Exactly Are Affirmations, And What Do They Do?
• Do Positive Affirmations Actually Work For Kids?
• What’s The Best Way To Get Started With My Kids?
• 180+ Positive Affirmations For Kids To Use In Any Situation
• What’s Next?

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE AFFIRMATIONS, AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

Simply put, affirmations are phrases we say or think to ourselves. That means all of our self-talk – both positive and negative – counts as affirmations.

Well, the funny thing about human nature is that it’s often a lot easier to notice the negative. Which is why our inner critic gets a lot more say.

How often do you hear “I can’t do it” from your kids? I bet it’s a lot more often than “I can do it!”

That doesn’t mean your kids are downers, it just means they need a little practice so their inner voice can start to affirm more positive than negative things. (I think we could all use more practice with that.)

So how can they practice?

Through daily positive affirmations!

Kids who read, think, say, or hear positive phrases about themselves over and over again will be able to start developing a mindset that truly prepares them for the ups and downs of life.

ISN’T THAT JUST SELF-DECEPTION? NOT EVERYTHING IS “POSITIVE.”

Positive affirmations aren’t about tricking kids into mentally looking at life with eyes that only see what they want to see. And their purpose certainly isn’t to minimize hard feelings.

Rather, the goal is to help kids recognize the truth, in situations and in themselves. And one of the fundamental truths in life is that they will make mistakes.

But another truth – an even more important truth – is that they are strong enough to keep going.

And the more they hear that truth, the more they will come to actually believe it.

DO POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS ACTUALLY WORK FOR KIDS?

Yes!

As a mom to 4 very opinionated kids, trust me when I say – it works. Here’s a bit of science to explain why:

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS CAN CHANGE THE BRAIN

Thanks to the research behind neuroplasticity (or the brain’s ability to change), we know that new actions create new neural pathways in our brains. And the more those pathways are used, the stronger they become, making the new actions easier and more natural.

In other words, repeated positive self-talk can literally change your child’s brain, leading to a brain that’s hardwired for happiness and lifelong resilience!

POSITIVE SELF-TALK CAN ALSO STRENGTHEN KIDS’ BRAINS

As kids get in the habit of using positive affirmations daily, not only will they learn concrete phrases they can fall back on when things get hard, they will learn how to control their brain in a way that strengthens it.

In their book, The Whole-Brain Child, Dr. Siegel and Dr. Bryson talk about the brain in two parts: the “upstairs” and the “downstairs” brain.

When kids are in a negative thought loop, they are using the “downstairs”, or more primitive part of the brain – the part associated with reactive and impulsive feelings and actions.

But when they intentionally replace a negative thought with a positive one, they are reactivating the “upstairs” part of their brain. This is the part of the brain responsible for rational, logical thinking.

The “upstairs” brain isn’t fully developed in children (and won’t be until they are young adults), so it can use all the practice it can get!

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED WITH MY KIDS?

There are essentially 4 steps to teaching a child any skill:

1. You do it for them.
2. You do it with them.
3. You watch them do it.
4. They do it themselves.

When it comes to teaching kids how to do positive affirmations, you can use this same process.

First and foremost, the best thing we can do as parents is to use the power of our own words.

Our kids learn how to interpret the world through us. They come to believe what we say.

• The oven is hot.
• This is an apple.
• A cow says, “moo.”

It’s no different when we tell them they are loved. Or determined. Or kind.

So first, start with using the positive affirmations in this post and replacing the “I” with “you.” Say these phrases to them. And let them overhear you speak positively about them to others.

(Get more ideas on how to encourage your kids with positive phrases here.)

Second, you can help them recognize their own negative self-talk.

Help them turn those negative phrases into positive statements. For example, “I stink at this,” could be rephrased, as “I’m not good at this YET, but I can learn.”

Third, give them something to practice with.

The phrases in this post are a perfect way to get started. They’re short, easy to memorize, and your kids can pick and choose which ones they like best, depending on their needs.

Our Motivation Mini-Kit includes a printable version of this entire list to make the affirmations easy to learn. It also includes a deck of affirmation cards you can print out for your kids to flip through each day. You can find it inside the Dream Big Goal Planning Kit.

And finally, step back and watch as their confidence soars.

As your kids get better at making positive affirmations a daily habit, they will find these phrases popping into their minds more and more often. These phrases will help them learn how to make choices that will get them through almost any situation.

You might even make it a weekly family habit to give everyone a chance to tell how positive thinking helped them that week. You could do this over dinner, or even as part of a weekly family meeting.

180+ POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS FOR KIDS TO USE IN ANY SITUATION

Ok, now let’s get to the good part…the actual positive affirmations for your kids! They’re short and easy to memorize making them perfect for even young kids to use.

Because there are so many, I’ve broken them down into categories to make it easier to find exactly the types of phrases you’re looking for:

• Building Resilience And Dealing With Difficulty
• Building Inner Strength And Self-Esteem
• Practicing Kindness And Self-Love
• Dealing With Big Emotions
• Fostering A Growth Mindset

AFFIRMATIONS THAT HELP KIDS BUILD RESILIENCE AND DEAL WITH DIFFICULTY

1. I can take the first step.
2. I don’t quit ‘cause I’ve got grit.
3. FAIL = First Attempt In Learning
4. It’s okay to make mistakes.
5. Today I will try something new.
6. I am willing to learn.
7. Today is a new day.
8. I can learn from my mistakes.
9. Any action is better than no action.
10. Mistakes mean I am learning.
11. I am a problem solver.
12. I am a hard worker.
13. All of my problems have solutions.
14. Failure isn’t fatal.
15. I will think about what can go right, not about what can go wrong.
16. I can let go of past mistakes.
17. I can try again tomorrow.
18. If I fall, I can get back up.
19. I can take responsibility for my mistakes.
20. I keep going when things get hard.
21. I can take it one step at a time.
22. It might not be easy. But it is worth it.
23. I have overcome challenges before, and I can do it again.
24. I can get through this.
25. I can do better next time.
26. It’s okay to take breaks.
27. I never give up.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR BUILDING INNER STRENGTH AND SELF-ESTEEM

28. I can learn anything.
29. I can work out almost anything.
30. I can build good habits that help me succeed.
31. I can try again.
32. I know how to work hard.
33. If I am tired, I take breaks – I don’t quit.
34. I can handle any challenge.
35. I can do anything I want. I just have to try.
36. It’s okay to have a different idea.
37. I am strong enough to step outside of my comfort zone.
38. I have so much to offer.
39. I have good ideas.
40. I am brave.
41. I am strong.
42. I can find my courage inside of me.
43. I am honest, no matter what.
44. I don’t have to prove myself to anyone.
45. My foundation is strong.
46. I have unique talents and strengths.
47. I can be a leader.
48. I can ask for help.
49. I am brave enough to speak up.
50. I can be firm.
51. I can say no.
52. I am proud of who I am.
53. I am here for a reason.
54. My worth comes from inside of me.
55. I have something unique to offer.
56. I have value.
57. I can do amazing things.
58. I am a creative thinker.
59. I am creative.
60. I trust me.
61. I am smart.
62. I am important.
63. My best is enough.
64. I can make good choices.
65. I have the power to reach my goals.
66. I am in charge of my life.
67. I am proud of myself.
68. I am strong, determined, and persistent.
69. I stand up for what I believe in.
70. I am interesting.
71. I am not afraid to be great.
72. I’ve totally got this.
73. I am unstoppable.
74. I can move mountains.
75. My ideas are unique.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR KINDNESS AND SELF-LOVE

76. I am a helper.
77. I am kind.
78. My smile and my mind are my best attributes.
79. I will not compare myself to others.
80. True beauty comes from inside of me.
81. I am beautiful.
82. My body is beautiful.
83. I appreciate what my body can do.
84. Everyone is different. That’s what makes the world interesting
85. I will be a friend to someone who needs me today.
86. I attract friends by being a good friend.
87. I am a good listener.
88. I am dependable.
89. If I say I will do something, I will do it.
90. I will treat others how I want to be treated.
91. I can work through disagreements in a calm way.
92. I include others.
93. I am generous.
94. I can be the first to apologize.
95. I can forgive.
96. I can breathe to calm myself.
97. I can choose kind words.
98. It’s okay to need alone time.
99. It doesn’t take much to make someone smile.
100. My health is important.
101. I can bring joy to others.
102. I can choose kind, even when it’s hard.
103. I can show love through my words and actions.
104. I notice others.
105. There are times to push myself and times to rest.
106. My body is mine.
107. I can stand up for others.
108. I deserve to have kind friends.
109. I can only control myself – not others.
110. I can respect others’ boundaries.
111. I like me.
112. I can be kind to myself.
113. Someone needs me today.
114. I am the only me.
115. I am happy with who I am.
116. I can make a difference.
117. I matter.
118. I deserve to be loved.
119. I have people who love me.
120. The world needs me.
121. I am amazing.
122. I can be the kind of friend I want to have.
123. My good energy is contagious.
124. I choose kind today.
125. I am enough.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR HELPING KIDS DEAL WITH BIG EMOTIONS

126. My attitude is in my control.
127. I can ask for help.
128. It’s okay to not know something.
129. I can choose to be happy.
130. I am in charge of my attitude.
131. Attitude is everything
132. I am loved. I am healthy. I am safe.
133. Some days are just hard.
134. My feelings are real.
135. It’s okay to be upset or sad sometimes.
136. My hard feelings won’t last forever.
137. I can find someone to help me through my emotions.
138. I will be okay.
139. A bad day doesn’t have to stay a bad day.
140. I can always find something to be grateful for.
141. I can find the positive in any situation.
142. I will feel better soon.
143. I can choose to let it go.
144. I can choose to think positive.
145. I am in charge of my own happiness.
146. There is always something to be grateful for.
147. Positive thoughts create positive feelings.
148. Tomorrow is a brand new day.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR FOSTERING A GROWTH MINDSET

149. I can have an open mind.
150. As long as I am safe, I can do scary things.
151. It’s okay to not know how things will turn out.
152. I can learn from others.
153. I can try new hobbies and activities.
154. I listen to my gut.
155. Each day is a chance to start over.
156. Everyone has to learn – even the experts.
157. I can do things without being asked.
158. I don’t have to be good at everything.
159. I am intelligent in many ways.
160. I have what it takes.
161. I can learn anything with practice.
162. I am always getting better.
163. I can take it one step at a time.
164. I give myself permission to mess up.
165. I am willing to work hard for what I want.
166. I don’t have to be the best.
167. Being nervous means I am challenging myself.
168. I’ll never know unless I try.
169. Success means being willing to try.
170. I don’t have to get it the first time.
171. It’s okay to not know something.
172. Not everything works out the way I want. And that’s fine.
173. I can get better every day.
174. Practice makes me better.
175. Today is the day.
176. I will be the best me today.
177. If it doesn’t challenge me, it doesn’t change me.
178. I can. And I will.
179. Challenges make me stronger.
180. If not now, when?
181. I can keep going until I am proud.
182. I love learning.
183. I believe in me.

WHAT’S NEXT?

In summary, positive phrases like these are a proven way to help kids develop the confidence and motivation to make it through the challenges they face in life. They will also keep them on the path to growing into emotionally healthy adults.

So for more fun ways to fit more affirmations into your child’s day, be sure to check out this post:

10 Clever Ways To Do Affirmations With Kids

Want the printable version of these affirmations, along with positive affirmation cards your kids can flip through daily? You can find them along with dozens of other helpful tools for developing gratitude and a growth mindset in the Dream Big Goal Planning Kit.

Ready to take the next step in developing your child’s confidence?

Help them learn how to start setting and achieving goals!

This FREE Parent Starter Guide will walk you through exactly how to help your kids get excited about setting goals and working hard. It also includes a printable goal ladder so they can start right away!

OTHER HELPFUL POSTS:

• Helping Kids Gain The Confidence To Try New Things
• From Helpless To Hopeful: How To Raise Resilient Kids
• Look On The Bright Side: 7 Secrets To Raising Optimistic Kids
• Dream Big: How To Help Kids Set Goals (In 4 Easy Steps)

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