Definiton: affirmation (noun) ‘emotional support or encouragement.’'the declaration that something exists or is true.'If you are not new to mindfulness and self-care, you have probably heard of and tried positive affirmations as a way to keep your mind on the better things about life. The big question is, how do you explain positive affirmations to children (under 10 years of age)?
If you are a busy mom like I am, you understand what it is like to feel emotionally drained at the end of the day from dealing with emotional ups and downs - not just yours, the kids too! Oh how sweet a little emotional support would be throughout the day, right? That is exactly how positive affirmations work. Understanding this, we can imagine how precious it would be if we could teach our kids self-awareness so they start to learn emotional balance. I am glad to share the fact that teaching positive affirmations to kids can be an easy step by step process and fun for all of you too!
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Here are 3 simple steps to start with:
Guided meditation for kids
The word ‘meditation’ can be intimidating especially if you are talking about involving children. In reality, meditation simply means ‘being still’.
definition: meditation (noun)‘focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state’See? Just tell the littles, ‘let’s see how still and silent we can be...’
Start there just 1 minute a day and grow the habit with time.
Shop positive affirmations wall art and organizers from 1Thrive (click above)
Gratitude journal for kids
With kids, explaining ‘serious’ stuff works better if you get down on their level and make it as simple as possible. Gratitude is a sweet and simple concept to explain.
definition: gratitude (noun)‘the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.’Try starting a daily habit of saying things you are thankful for to you kids and then asking them to say what they feel grateful for. Next, try writing down what you come up with each day!
Daily positive affirmations for kids
Once children understand the idea of ‘gratitude’ and ‘stillness meditation’, teaching ‘positive affirmations’ becomes easier. Here’s an example how:
“Let’s see how still and silent we can be.” (you may set an age appropriate timer - a minute per year of age)
Tip: set an area that is pleasant to be in for this practice (unlike a Time Out spot)
“Think of something that makes you feel like you want to say Thank You.”
“Say out loud - ‘I Am Thankful That _________.’
Next say - ‘I Am (something good) __________’
Another idea is - ‘I Can (something they are proud they can do) _________’
Try, - ‘I Love_________’ and so on ………………………...
Write it down. Affirmations are a proven way to improve and change our mindset. When you write down what you affirm, it is a solid way for you to come back and remind yourself. Try writing down the affirmations you and your kids create and then looking back on them later to see how much they improved your way of thinking and your life. A simple blank gratitude journal for kids can be a place to start.
I bet you get the idea by now -
Affirmations are words and sentences that you can create yourself to keep your mind and heart in a positive space.
I hope that you and your family find these tips helpful to get you started on your daily habits toward a positive life.
Guided journals and interactive books for kids for daily affirmations
For more ideas on how to guide your kids and you to better, more peaceful days filled with moments you’ll cherish, check out the A.B.C Daily Habits for Kids children’s journal.
It is an easy-to-follow interactive daily journal for kids ages 4-10.
Filled with guided mindfulness activities for the family
+ positive affirmations for kids
+ feelings charts and mindful coloring for kids
+ recipes for kids to make with you
++ more great habits to build together.
Here is how well organized it is set up for you: by week and letters of the alphabet, you can practice as many days of the week as you like!
*CLICK below to check out the book for yourself.*
Also available as an eBook for mindful screen time!
I hope the time you spend here is worth your time and please read on!
Best vibes, Caroline.
