Parenting can be tough! We all have our good and not-so-good days—or, in most cases, our good and not-so-good hours. It’s totally normal! I’m not saying that makes it any easier, but sometimes it’s nice to know we are not alone. We can all use a little support on this parenting journey. I truly believe it takes a village.
I am thrilled to introduce you to a resource that can help provide some of that needed support and teach children how to use affirmations: Raising Kind, Caring, Good Kids.
What is Raising Kind, Caring, Good Kids?
Raising Kind, Caring, Good Kids is an interactive resource where your child learns about eight core character traits: graciousness, responsibility, courage, compassion, honesty, kindness, hopefulness, and gratitude.
In each section, you start by reading a cute short story to your child based on one of these character traits. Next, you learn and reflect on these traits through activities, discussion questions, and finally, with affirmations. Affirmations are such a powerful tool for promoting a growth mindset in our children!
How to Use Affirmations with Kids
My husband is a Child Psychologist, and one night, we discussed how tricky it is to be a parent these days. I then thought that if it was this hard for me (with a live-in Child Psychologist, no less!), it was likely even tougher for many other mamas out there.
I had the idea to create a positive, uplifting character-development resource for children. The resource would focus on eight core character traits through sweet little stories and offer children a chance to practice these traits to earn badges.
My clever hubby decided to add some videos and affirmations. Before we knew it, we had created a beautiful and incredibly useful resource for supporting parents and children through many typical (yet turbulent) times.
Let’s look closer at our eight character traits and the affirmations that go with them!
Trait #1: Graciousness
Affirmation: “I am gracious; I have good manners.”
Let’s meet Graham the Gracious Gorilla. During this cute story, children will have the opportunity to learn about manners and what it means to be gracious. After the story, you will do some activities to help your child practice graciousness as they earn their Gracious Badge and say the affirmation: “I am gracious; I have good manners.”
Trait #2: Honesty
Affirmation: “I am honest; I tell the truth.”
Most will say, “Honesty is the best policy,” but would you believe me when I say lying is a typical stage in a child’s development? Now, I am not saying anyone would encourage lying, but knowing it is part of developing, we can view it differently. We can help teach children about honesty and why telling the truth is important. Then, we can praise them when they are honest by awarding badges and encouraging honest behavior with the affirmation: “I am honest; I tell the truth.”
Trait #3: Responsibility
Affirmation: “I am responsible; I do what I am supposed to do.”
Responsibility is a vital life skill to teach children, even very young ones. It can help build confidence and even strengthen family bonds. I have always had my children help with putting away the laundry. I’ll admit this was one of my least favorite tasks, so doing it together made it that little bit less daunting. I would have the kids start with just their socks and, over time, add in the rest of their clothing. There are many ways to practice responsibility! Give your child age-appropriate tasks, then build that confidence by having them say, “I am responsible; I do what I am supposed to do.”
Trait #4: Compassion
Affirmation: “I am compassionate; I help others.”
A big part of compassion is empathy for others. Sometimes, this is called ‘putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.’ There are many ways to show you care. In the story, you will meet Chloe, the compassionate cat, and see how she shows compassion. Afterward, you will do some activities together to help develop compassion and use the affirmation: “I am compassionate; I help others.”
Trait #5: Courageousness
Affirmation: “I am courageous; I can do hard things.”
This is one of my favorite character traits to help develop in children, mainly because there are so many opportunities for little ones to be courageous! They love saying the affirmation, “I am courageous; I can do hard things.” Children have to try new things every day, and many of them can be scary. There was a time when my son wouldn’t ride an elevator, but one day, he wanted to be brave and did it without hesitation. He was so proud of how courageous he was—and so was I!
Trait #6: Hopefulness
Affirmation: “I am hopeful; I believe good things will happen.”
I firmly believe that if you look at the bright side, you will always find some good. I want you to meet Henry, the most positive, hopeful Horse. When something goes wrong, as it often does, he can help us find the good in the situation. After completing the hopefulness activities, your child will be ready to earn their affirmation badge and say, “I am hopeful; I believe good things will happen.”
Trait #7: Kindness
Affirmation: “I am kind; I treat others with love.”
Being kind can be magical. When we are kind, we make others happy. And in turn, the world is a better place! We can practice this often with our little ones, using the affirmation: “I am kind; I treat others with love.” In this character trait section, you will learn about the golden rule (which I am sure you have heard a hundred times!) and work through activities and discussion questions related to it with your child.
Trait #8: Gratitude
Affirmation: “I am grateful; I show appreciation.”
There are things in life for which we can always be grateful. However, showing gratitude can sometimes be difficult for children. In this section, you will find ways to show appreciation, and eventually, your child will earn their Grateful Badge and be able to proudly say, “I am grateful; I show appreciation.”
And there you have the eight character traits and affirmations covered in Raising Kind, Caring, Good Kids. When you have completed this resource, your child will have earned all eight affirmation badges to proudly display!
Let’s ensure our little ones are set to become the best versions of themselves. Let’s teach them how to use affirmations to build that confidence!
Raising Kind, Caring, Good Kids
https://shop.howweelearn.com/products/raising-kind-caring-good-kids
Thank you for reading, my friend!
xo
Sarah
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