137 Simple Affirmations for Children (& Their Parents)

Children experience negative feelings just as we adults do. They too have periods when they are troubled, anxious, lack self-belief, and feel overwhelmed. But, unlike us, they don’t have the emotional maturity to process those feelings or contextualize them. So they have no inkling of how to reprogram their negative thought patterns.

But just as us adults can use affirmations to help achieve that shift from a negative to a positive mindset so too can children. Daily positive affirmations can help children to think more positively, build self-confidence and increase their self-esteem. Not only that but they can help children understand, feel and express gratitude for their blessings.

Affirmations are more effective when spoken out loud and repeated several times. There aren’t a set number of repetitions but three to five times a session may be about right for children.

They can be used at any time but perhaps the best times are first thing in the morning to start the day off with a bright, positive mindset and just before bedtime. Studies have shown that the subconscious is more receptive to messages in the 15-minute window between wakefulness and sleep.

Another great tip is to have an “affirmation of the day” where you focus on one particular affirmation for the whole day, particularly if it’s linked to a particular issue the child has, or will have, that day.

Here are 137 simple affirmations to work on with your children. Select the ones that are the most appropriate for them in terms of their emotional age and ability to understand the words and context. And, of course, make it fun!

1. Being cheerful makes my day better.
2. Breakfast is an important meal to me.
3. Each day I grow more energetic.
4. Each day I learn something new.
5. Each day is a new opportunity to do good deeds.
6. Eating well promotes a sharp mind.
7. Every day I am stronger and healthier.
8. Every day I expect magic to happen in my life.
9. Exercising is one of my favorite hobbies.
10. Exploring the world is exciting.
11. Failures and setbacks are the stepping stones to success.
12. Falling asleep is easy for me.
13. Getting enough sleep each night is important to me.
14. Healthy choices are imortant to me.
15. Helping others makes me happy.
16. I accept criticism.
17. I accept myself as I am.
18. I accept my parents as they are.
19. I accept others as they are.
20. I admit my mistakes.
21. I am a good friend.
22. I am a source of happiness.
23. I am allowed to cry.
24. I am beautiful.
25. I am becoming better every day.
26. I am doing a great job at school.
27. I am fit for life.
28. I am focused on the task at hand.
29. I am grateful for today.
30. I am happy.
31. I am on time.
32. I am peaceful and loving.
33. I am protected by love.
34. I am proud of my accomplishments.
35. I am safe in the water.
36. I am surrounded by love.
37. I am truthful.
38. I am worthy of praise.
39. I attract friends easily.
40. I avoid being tempted by unhealthy habits.
41. I beat shyness by starting conversations.
42. I can do anything I set my mind to.
43. I choose my friends wisely.
44. I confidently express myself to others.
45. I create positive habits in my life.
46. I do my best.
47. I eat only what I need.
48. I eat healthy food.
49. I eat smart.
50. I enjoy being me.
51. I enjoy being unique.
52. I enjoy cleaning my room.
53. I enjoy each day to the fullest.
54. I enjoy exercising my body.
55. I enjoy learning.
56. I expect great things to happen today.
57. I express my needs.
58. I face my biggest fears head on.
59. I feel gratitude for simple things.
60. I feel safe and happy in my home.
61. I fill my life with healthy activities.
62. I follow my dreams.
63. I get enough rest.
64. I get up quickly when I fall.
65. I go to bed on time.
66. I have answers.
67. I have fun.
68. I know how to relax and release anxiety.
69. I know I can succeed and avoid giving up.
70. I know that my friends and family appreciate me.
71. I know when to speak and when to keep quiet.
72. I learn through listening.
73. I learn valuable life lessons from my parents.
74. I listen and try to understand.
75. I love and respect myself.
76. I love and respect my parents.
77. I love being who I am.
78. I love foods that keep me fit and healthy.
79. I love spending time with my family.
80. I love surprises.
81. I lovingly care for my pets.
82. I make the most of today.
83. I move my body.
84. I push myself to go further.
85. I remember to recycle.
86. I respect my elders.
87. I show my family how much I love them.
88. I sleep soundly and peacefully.
89. I speak politely to others.
90. I speak up for myself when necessary.
91. I spread happiness wherever I go.
92. I start my day feeling happy and enthusiastic.
93. I stay away from gossip.
94. I stay positive.
95. I take care of my physical appearance.
96. I take good care of myself.
97. I take pride in my small achievements.
98. I take the time to show my friends I care.
99. I think before I speak.
100. I treat my body right.
101. I treat others as I want to be treated.
102. I wake up each morning eager to face the day.
103. I wake up happy.
104. I walk away from confrontation.
105. I walk more.
106. Laughter is my best medicine.
107. Life is beautiful and exciting.
108. Making myself happy is easy.
109. My attitude is positive.
110. My body gets the rest that it needs.
111. My body is a temple.
112. My body is healthy and full of energy.
113. My cheerful attitude helps my school friends.
114. My confidence keeps growing.
115. My day begins and ends with gratitude.
116. My friends are worth keeping.
117. My friends bring out the best in me.
118. My health is important to me.
119. My hobbies brighten my day.
120. My life is just beginning.
121. My life is precious.
122. My life is rewarding.
123. My life is worth living.
124. My life keeps getting better.
125. My mind is evolving.
126. My opinion is worthwhile.
127. My personality attracts others.
128. My rest time is valuable.
129. My self-esteem is growing daily.
130. My smile is genuine.
131. My uniqueness is worth celebrating.
132. Peaceful sleep is mine each evening.
133. Telling the truth is important to me.
134. Today is an amazing day.
135. Today is filled with opportunity.
136. Today I take a step forward.
137. When I am wrong I admit it.