50 positive affirmations for kids to boost their wellbeing

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA

Explore the purpose and benefits of kids and students repeating positive affirmations. Plus, 50 positive affirmations for kids and how to implement them daily.

Positive affirmations for kids are phrases designed to encourage a sense of self-assurance and optimism in children. By regularly engaging with these affirmations, children can develop a more positive mindset, which can help shape their self-perception and attitude toward life's challenges. These simple yet powerful statements can significantly influence a child's self-esteem and outlook on life.

 

What are positive affirmations for kids?

Positive affirmations are short statements that anyone can repeat to themselves to help set positive beliefs in their minds. For children, these affirmations can be tailored to be easily understandable and relevant to their experiences and challenges.

4 benefits of positive affirmations for children

Positive affirmations bring huge benefits for children, from boosting confidence to enhancing their ability to empathize with their peers.

  1. Enhance self-confidence: Positive affirmations may help children cultivate a positive self-image and a belief in their own capabilities. This can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem. This newfound confidence can enhance their interactions with others and their willingness to take on new challenges.

  2. Build resilience: Regularly engaging with positive affirmations may help children develop a stronger capacity to handle adversity. This resilience can equip them to face challenges with a positive attitude and reduce the impact of negative experiences.

  3. Improve mindset: Positive affirmations can promote a positive outlook, supporting a child's mental health. A positive mindset can diminish feelings of anxiety and depression, bringing greater happiness and emotional wellbeing.

  4. Enhances performance and behavior: With an increased sense of self-belief, children may perform better academically and in extracurricular activities. Positive self-talk through affirmations can also lead to improved behavior, as children with higher self-esteem tend to show more empathy and cooperation.

 

List of positive affirmations for kids & students

Encourage children to choose their favorite phrases, or introduce new affirmations tailored to their personal experiences to help make them more impactful and meaningful.

  1. I believe in myself.

  2. I can do hard things.

  3. I am a good friend.

  4. I am enough.

  5. I am valuable.

  6. My best is enough.

  7. Differences make us special.

  8. I am beautiful inside and out.

  9. I am proud of myself.

  10. I am unique and special.

  11. I can do whatever I set my mind to.

  12. I learn from my mistakes.

  13. I can make today as amazing as I want.

  14. I belong.

  15. I am kind to others and myself.

  16. I make a positive difference in the world.

  17. I am loved and appreciated.

  18. I can find solutions to my challenges.

  19. I am creative and open to new solutions.

  20. I am a valuable member of my community.

  21. I respect myself and others.

  22. I am responsible for my actions.

  23. I am patient with myself and others.

  24. I am grateful for what I have.

  25. I can be anything I want to be.

  26. I am a good listener.

  27. I am honest with myself and others.

  28. I am brave enough to try new things.

  29. My opinions matter.

  30. I am a good learner.

  31. I am committed to my goals.

  32. I am thankful for my friends and family.

  33. I am a problem solver.

  34. I am a leader.

  35. I am friendly.

  36. I am understanding.

  37. I am a peacemaker.

  38. I am intelligent.

  39. I am important.

  40. I am a good example to others.

  41. I am respectful.

  42. I am strong.

  43. I make wise choices.

  44. I am forgiving.

  45. I am a good team player.

  46. I am a good communicator.

  47. I am confident in my abilities.

  48. I am a good person.

  49. I am caring.

  50. I am thoughtful.

 

How to encourage kids to use positive affirmations in their daily life

With a few simple steps, you can help kids build a habit that nurtures their self-esteem and encourages them to think positively and feel good about themselves.

Start simple

Pick short and easy affirmations that kids can remember and feel good about. Have them say these phrases out loud three times to make them stick.

💙 Join Moana in Breathe Like the Ocean, a guided exercise that teaches kids how to use the power of their breath to feel calm when they’re having big feelings.

Make it personal

Every kid is different, so adjust the affirmations to fit what they need or what they're going through. This makes the affirmations more meaningful to them.

💙 Brighten the unique light that shines within your child with the help from this kid-friendly meditation, Let Your Light Shine with Tiana.

Fit it into their day

Bring affirmations into morning routines to start their day positively, or use them at night to end the day on a positive note. Find regular times during the day when affirmations can become a natural part of what they are already doing.

💙 Prepare for a Mission with PAW Patrol each morning by encouraging your kids to set a daily intention and affirmation. 

Keep it fun

Turn affirmations into a game or a song, or create a set of affirmation cards they can choose from each day. When it's fun, they’re more likely to want to keep doing it.

💙 Encourage your kids to shake off the stress and find a sense of calm with this fun Bouncing Serum Meditation featuring our Minion friends!

Stay consistent

The more regularly kids use affirmations, the more they can benefit from them. Regular practice can help build their confidence and positive mindset.

💙 Make your child’s bedtime routine something they look forward to by listening to a Sleep Story, like Charlie and the Dream Factory.

 

Positive affirmations for kids FAQs

What is the respect mantra for kids?

The respect mantra for kids is a phrase or set of phrases that emphasize the importance of respect toward oneself and others. It can help remind children to value themselves, their peers, and the environment around them. This mantra could be as simple as, "I treat myself and others with kindness and respect," reinforcing the importance of building healthy relationships. 

How to send positive messages to children to help them build a positive self concept?

To send positive messages to children, consistently use language that’s affirming and supportive. Acknowledge their efforts and achievements, however small, to build their sense of accomplishment. Show appreciation for their unique qualities and talents to reinforce their value and individuality. Engage in active listening to show that their thoughts and feelings matter. With this supportive environment, children can develop a positive self-concept, recognizing their worth and capabilities.

What are 5 positive quotes for kids?

  1. This quote encourages children to believe in their inner strength and intelligence: "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." - A.A. Milne

  2. This quote can teach children that making mistakes is a normal part of learning and growing: "No one is perfect — that's why pencils have erasers." - Wolfgang Riebe

  3. This can help children understand that setbacks are not the end, but steps toward success: "You always pass failure on the way to success." - Mickey Rooney

  4. This quote can encourage children to focus on their reactions to situations: "It’s not what happens to you but how you react to it that matters." - Epictetus

  5. This quote can inspire children to have confidence in their abilities: "Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

Do positive affirmations work for kids?

Positive affirmations can be effective for kids. When children regularly practice affirmations, they can develop a more positive mindset and self-image. Affirmations can help reinforce their self-worth and capabilities, which can lead to increased confidence, resilience, and a sense of calm. Over time, this can contribute to increased emotional wellbeing and help children adopt a more optimistic outlook on life.


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Images: Getty

 
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