You know how parenting can be really tough sometimes? Like, super tough? Or maybe you haven’t gotten to that part yet. But you will, sweet friend, oh yes – you will. So, what to do when this happens …
Affirmations for kids! This is my newest parenting strategy that I have added to my arsenal of 20 years of building parenting strategies. And it is a great one!
Here is the logic. We know that our children have golden, good hearts. Sometimes they are just buried kinda deep down there – you know, sometimes quite deep down there. Like waaaay down. But, they are there.
We know it is helpful for us to remind them of those golden hearts. But even more powerful? Having them remind themselves!
If you have been here for a while, you might know that we have a live in Child Psychologist here. My husband gets LOADS of real life practice here at home with us. It’s kind of funny, but even though he is a Child Psychologist, I often feel like he is wrong with most of his parenting suggestions. Ha! It is true! I mean, how difficult am I ?! But, the affirmations idea was all his, and something I totally got behind.
Instead of focusing on the bad, or focusing on the wrong, we do a quick correction as needed, and then try so hard to focus on the good. We can’t really learn in the heat of the moment anyways, know what I mean? So instead, we do all of that character development teaching NOT in the heat of the moment. Instead, we do it each and every morning by reading affirmations.
These affirmations are a part of a workbook John and I created together called, Raising Kind, Caring, Good Kids. We created this workbook after some particularly trying times in our own home. Times when some of our little ones were not exuding kindness, caring, or goodness. Nope, they were definitely exuding things, but it was not those pleasant characteristics!
The workbook we created focuses on these affirmations and one more golden parenting strategy I have in my parenting skills arsenal – using stories to teach!
Check out Raising Kind, Caring, Good Kids right here!
Each affirmation is accompanied with a sweet little story about a character who has gotten him or herself in a social dilemma of sorts. Using the story as a guide, the workbook walks our little ones through the CHARACTER’S dilemma, helping them to point that character in the right direction. It is amazing how the same exact child who just broke something and lied about it can share with you what a character should have done if in that exact same situation. Just saying.
Finally, the workbook includes a spot for you to record your child demonstrating each affirmation. You know, that whole idea of “catching them being good” really holds true.
Alright then, without further ado, let me share with you these 8 Affirmations for Kids! I hope you and yours enjoy them and read them aloud together each day with pride!
I am gracious. I have good manners.
I am responsible. I do what I am supposed to do.
I am courageous. I can do hard things.
I am compassionate. I help others.
I am honest. I tell the truth.
I am kind. I treat others with love.
I am hopeful. I believe good things will happen.
I am grateful. I show appreciation.
Now, one final tip from me: Try really hard to ONLY point out when your child IS displaying the trait! This was a really tricky one for me, and I caught myself doing the opposite many times before I realized what I was doing: “That isn’t very GRACIOUS, is it now?” “Is that the HONEST answer?” Doing this makes the affirmations feel like they are not a part of your child, which is exactly the opposite of what we are trying to do. Instead, only point them out when your child IS doing it!
I will, however, point out when I am not exuding those traits, just to show my children that we all need to practice these things and none of us have it down perfectly. It is okay to not show perfect character all of the time! The important thing is that we try.
At least, I think that is the most important thing. I would check with my resident expert, but I don’t want it to go to his head. I mean, we already created a workbook out of his affirmations idea and all.
Is that gracious of me? Kind? Ummmm…
Yes, all that matters is that we try.
xo
Sarah
P.S. Don’t forget to get your printable affirmations, workbook, and video course to help your little one build that character. Check it out right here.
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