I never understood how muchfear, anxiety, and low self-esteem pervades our youth until I started teaching. Although I had my own confidence issues growing up (who doesn’t?), I didn’t realize how global it is until years later. I started using affirmation cards when I began my yoga journey in 2002. When I became a teacher, I chose to share this gift with my students. I created affirmations for kids and teens to use on a daily or weekly basis.
Since then, I’ve witnessed kids of all ages start to feel good about themselves. Hearing the words, “I am a great artist,” “I am a very good, trustworthy friend,” “I surround myself with people who truly love me,” and “I choose to make good choices,” helps the child or teen look at himself from a loving, accepting perspective.
It’s positive programming for everyone. With practice, the kids and teen affirmations turn into a healthy habit while boosting confidence, creating a positive mindset, and becoming more mindful.
I offer a FREE printable set of 135 affirmation cards for kids and teens in my shop. No sign-ups, no strings attached. Simply print the cards, cut, and laminate for durability.
Here are some of my favorite ways to present affirmation cards for kids and teens.
Presenting Affirmations
A Treasure Box
Store in an attractive box for the students to pick out each day or each week (I have a beautiful treasure chest that I’ve used for years). Have the child read the affirmation – be patient with the eye rolls and “this is so not me” comments! – and then have them repeat it to themselves whether under the breath or silently.
Valentine’s Envelopes
One year, I included about ten affirmation cards in a pretty envelope for each child on Valentine’s Day. This was my Feel the Love warm-fuzzy for the kiddos I spend so much time with.
On Rough Days
When a child is having a rough day, quietly walk to her with the box of affirmation cards so she can give herself a warm-fuzzy.
During Arguments
When two children are arguing, a good way to make amends is for each one to find an affirmation card that might help the other. This always resulted in a good truce, and the act of searching for a specific affirmation card was a mindfulness activity in itself.
Self-Love Affirmations
Don’t forget to give one to yourself. Always and forever. When you realize you’re thinking negatively about yourself, turn it into a postive and affirm it into your mind. You deserve love.
In the Mail
Come up with clever and inspirational affirmations, or share ones you created for yourself. Send them via post to family and friends. You can even start an affirmation pen pal.
Get Creative
Write your own… as much as possible. Many times I have the keep it in front of them throughout the week. At the end of the week, the students put the cards back into the box.
Make Affirmations Visual
Tape them to your wall until you have a wall of affirmations. We did this one year underneath each student’s name and we dubbed it the Wall of Affirmations. It was fun reading what each student got and reminded each student about it.
Personal Lessons
I’ve used them during tutoring sessions to help children with their reading skills. If a student is getting frustrated, I ask them to pull an affirmation card or create one on their own. They take a few slow, deep breaths and repeat the affirmation to themselves. They feel a little silly at first, but consistency is key!
As a Gift
These make a great gift for a classroom, club, homeschool, or family. You can use the ones I have for free in my shop, wrap them in a ribbon, and send them off to a group who would appreciate their significance.
Final Thoughts
There are countless ways to create a positive mindset, and using affirmations is just one. Introducing kids and teens to affirmations is an excellent way to boost self-confidence and create healthy mind habits at a young age. Be sure to download my free printable Affirmations for Kids and Teens, and remember to practice patience when introducing this concept. They will thank you for it 🙂
I hope you have as much fun with them as we do!
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