This Parenting Hack Will Improve Your Kid's Mental Health

While it may seem like a small gesture, encouraging words can have a truly lasting effect on your little ones. Studies show that daily positive affirmations can provide health benefits like reduced stress levels, improved emotional regulation, and bolstered self-confidence. Plus, parenting with positivity will pay dividends for years to come. Kids are like sponges, and you never know which phrase they'll latch on to and remember for years after you say it, becoming something they repeat to themselves to help get them through tough times — or maybe becoming something they pass on to friends, wanting to spread the joy.

Our words, actions, and attitude have ripple effects, which is a lesson worth demonstrating to our children. If you're not sure how to get started with positive affirmations, we've rounded up some of our favorite phrases. Below are self- affirmations your kid can practice saying to themselves as well as encouraging things to say to your child on a daily basis, to make sure they know you're always in their corner.

Positive Affirmations for Kids
Getty | MoMo Productions

Positive Affirmations for Kids

  1. I am smart.
  2. I am kind.
  3. I am considerate.
  4. I am compassionate.
  5. I am mindful.
  6. I am strong and healthy.
  7. I am worthy of love.
  8. I am me, and there is no one better to be.
  9. I am enough.
  10. My challenges help me grow.
  11. I can do tough things.
  12. Every day is a fresh start.
  13. I matter.
  14. I deserve to be happy.
  15. Today I am a leader.
  16. Everything will be okay.
  17. I accept who I am.
  18. Good things are coming to me.
  19. Today is going to be an awesome day.
  20. Every day I feel more comfortable in my skin.
  21. I have courage and confidence.
  22. I can get through anything.
  23. It's okay not to know everything.
  24. I can do better next time.
  25. My mistakes help me grow.
  26. I have everything I need right now.
  27. I am safe.
  28. I can do this.
  29. I am beautiful inside and out.
  30. I love myself.
Positive Things to Say to Your Child
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Positive Things to Say to Your Child

  1. I'm grateful for you.
  2. You make me proud.
  3. Your words are meaningful.
  4. You have great ideas.
  5. I love being your parent.
  6. You don't have to be perfect to be great.
  7. Your opinions matter.
  8. You are important.
  9. You are loved.
  10. I believe you.
  11. I believe in you.
  12. This family wouldn't be the same without you.
  13. You are valuable.
  14. You can say no.
  15. You can say yes.
  16. I know you did your best.
  17. You were right.
  18. I accept who you are.
  19. We can try your way.
  20. You are helpful.
  21. You are worth it.
  22. You make me happy.
  1. I love your creativity.
  2. Being around you is fun.
  3. I can't wait to hear about it.
  4. Don't be afraid to be you.
  5. You're making a difference.
  6. I'm excited to spend time with you.
  7. You are interesting.
  8. I love seeing the world your way.
  9. It's good to be curious.
  10. I love the way you tell stories.
  11. What you did was awesome.
  12. I admire you.
  13. That's a great question.
  14. Your friends are lucky to have you.
  15. I trust you.
  16. That was a really good choice.
  17. Seeing you happy makes me happy.
  18. Being your parent is my favorite job.
  19. I learn new things from you every day.
  20. You make me better.
  21. You are a good boy/girl.
  22. Thank you for being you.
  23. I'm so glad you're here.
  24. You look great.
  25. I understand you.
  26. Watching you grow up is the best.
  27. That was really brave.
  28. I forgive you.
  29. I appreciate you.
  30. We all make mistakes.
  31. Yes, me too.
  32. You are very good at that!
  33. You can try again tomorrow.
  1. Nobody is perfect.
  2. I love how you said that.
  3. Not everyone will like you, and that's OK.
  4. You did that so well.
  5. I'm listening.
  6. That's a very fair point.
  7. You are beautiful inside and out.
  8. I love you.
  9. I could never stop loving you.
  10. You are enough.
  11. You make my heart full.