200+ Daily Affirmations for Kids and Parents

Daily affirmations are a great tool for changing thinking and boosting confidence and self-esteem. Daily affirmations can be helpful for everyone, kids and adults alike.

You have likely heard of affirmations before, but did you know there is neuroscience behind using daily affirmations? Researchers have found that daily affirmations can increase self-competence and happiness, and decrease stress. Positive affirmations can retrain your brain if used consistently over time.

How to Use Affirmations

When using positive affirmations, it is most effective to choose the ones that align with your values and are related to the areas of your life you want to see change in. Find the affirmations that fit you and your life. While using positive affirmations, be sure to acknowledge the situation and challenges in your life. Positive affirmations are not about perfection, but about being your best self and pushing through difficulties.

Tips:

• Say them out loud

• Use the present tense

• Don't focus on the negative

• Choose meaningful affirmations

• Try writing them down - Create an affirmation journal

Tips for kids:

• Create an affirmation board for personally important affirmations

• Post affirmations on the mirror and speak them into the mirror

• Have them repeat them three times each

• Affirm your child yourself

Below are 200+ positive affirmation ideas for kids and adults. Choose the ones that fit you, and say them out loud daily to see your thoughts transform!

100+ Affirmations for Adults

1. I am loved just for being who I am, just for existing.

2. Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. - Brene Brown

3. My life is about to be incredible.

4. My perspective is unique. It's important and it counts.

5. Today, I will embrace the glorious mess that I am.

6. I am loved and worthy.

7. I am in charge of how I feel and I choose to be happy.

8. I am worthy of investing in myself.

9. I deserve to take up space.

10. I release all that no longer serves me.

11. My mistakes do not define me.

12. My body is healthy, strong, and beautiful.

13. I am allowed to feel all emotions - that is part of being human.

14. I am allowed to express my needs to others.

15. I deserve to be loved and to love others.

16. I accept myself for who I am.

17. I possess the qualities I need to be successful.

18. Today is the beginning of whatever I want.

19. I embrace my best self today.

20. I am persistent. I am relentless. I keep going.

21. I choose to respond to this challenge with grace and positivity.

22. My needs matter.

23. I am the exact parent my child needs to blossom, so I don't compare myself to others.

24. I will let go of how I think today is supposed to go and accept how it unfolds with positivity.

25. I deserve time for myself and can attend to my own needs without guilt, justification, or apology.

26. I need to give myself credit for what I do every day.

27. I am patient. I am positive. I am present.

28. I am worthy of success and prosperity.

29. The world is better with me in it.

30. My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive.

31. If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

32. I deserve to be surrounded by people who love and respect me.

33. It is never to late to be what you might have been. - George Eliot

34. A champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they can recover when they fall. - Serena Williams

35. I'm equally as worthy as everybody else.

36. Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill

37. My hard work will pay off.

38. My mind is full of brilliant ideas.

39. Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful.

40. I believe that I can do anything.

41. There are some things that I cannot change and I'm okay with that.

42. In taking care of myself, I am teaching my children the value of self-care.

43. It's okay that I had a bad moment or day. This too shall pass.

44. My children do not want perfection, they want me.

45. Some days are better than others, but that doesn't mean I am a bad parent.

46. I can adapt to changes in my plans and expectations.

47. My feelings are valid.

48. I meet my child(ren) where they are.

49. I accept my child(ren) for who they are right now.

50. I assume positive intent in others.

51. I will be present today and enjoy each moment as it comes.

52. I find joy in everyday parenting.

53. I show up every day for my family.

54. It is okay to say no and to set healthy boundaries.

55. Parenting is hard, but I can do it.

56. My life is a gift and I appreciate what I have.

57. I am doing my best and that is good enough.

58. My life gets better as I get older.

59. My contributions to the world are valuable.

60. I'm open to new adventures in my life.

61. No amount of worrying can change the future.

62. I can choose to feel good.

63. I am grateful for the people in my life.

64. I give myself permission to be myself.

65. Taking small steps every day can help me achieve big goals.

66. I am in charge of my life.

67. I have the power to let things go.

68. I am grateful for my feelings and emotions.

69. I express my true self.

70. I am allowed to be loud.

71. I do not have to be agreeable or quiet to be worthy of love.

72. I've got this! Nothing can hold me back.

73. This moment is mine and I am fully present.

74. Focus on what I can control, and release the rest.

75. My past experiences have strengthened me for today.

76. I don't have to carry it all.

77. I can transform problems into challenges, weaknesses into strengths, and fear into action.

78. I am free from the opinions of others.

79. I am living my own unique story.

80. I choose love in every interaction.

81. Love is abundant. There is more than enough to give and receive.

82. I can handle anything that comes my way.

83. I am capable and strong.

84. I will make the most of today.

85. I forgive myself for what did not go well.

86. It is okay not to know everything - there's always something to learn.

87. My life matters.

88. I am a priority.

89. I am caring, compassionate, and understanding.

90. I am fearless in the pursuit of my goals.

91. Today, I will celebrate something beautiful and original.

92. Today, I will take time to be present in the moment and not worry or think about productivity.

93. I give myself compassion.

94. I am the architect of my life. I build its foundation and choose its contents.

95. Today, I am brimming with energy and overflowing with joy.

96. I have been given endless talents, which I will begin to utilize today.

97. I possess the qualities needed to be extremely successful.

98. My ability to conquer challenges is limitless. My potential to succeed is infinite.

99. Today, I abandon old habits and take up new, more positive ones.

100. I am a powerhouse. I am indestructible.

101. I am persistent. I will rise to every challenge I face and from every fall I experience.

100+ Affirmations for Kids

1. There is no one better to be than myself.

2. I am enough.

3. I believe in myself.

4. I matter.

5. I can do hard things.

6. I am proud of myself.

7. Today, I choose to think positively.

8. Today is going to be a great day.

9. I choose my own attitude.

10. I am important.

11. It is enough to do my best.

12. I accept who I am.

13. Challenges help me grow.

14. I am perfect just the way I am.

15. I know right from wrong.

16. I learn anything I put my mind to.

17. I can ask for support.

18. I am a good listener.

19. I am proud of the person I am becoming.

20. I am unique and special.

21. I have many talents.

22. I am grateful for my family.

23. I am happy to be alive.

24. I am excited to go to school.

25. I will make the most of this day.

26. I am brave.

27. I am smart.

28. I am loved.

29. I am appreciated.

30. I am heard.

31. I am a good friend.

32. I am an important part of my family.

33. I am deserving of love and respect.

34. I am a good example to others.

35. I am capable.

36. I am persistent.

37. I am exactly where I need to be.

38. I am worthy.

39. I am joyful.

40. I am patient.

41. I am helpful.

42. I am strong.

43. I am in charge of my life.

44. My thoughts and ideas are valued.

45. I embrace change.

46. Learning is fun and exciting.

47. I am protected.

48. Whatever I do, I give it my best.

49. I am gentle with myself and others.

50. I am strong inside and out.

51. I am beautiful.

52. I have a strong and important voice.

53. I have lots of good ideas.

54. I make good decisions.

55. My opinion is important.

56. When I think positive thoughts, I have positive feelings.

57. I am kind to everyone.

58. I have many people who love me.

59. I never give up.

60. It's okay to make mistakes.

61. I am fun to be around.

62. I am creative.

63. I am silly and fun.

64. I am a problem solver.

65. I am ready to be a leader.

66. All of my feelings are important.

67. I can manage all of my feelings.

68. I am truthful.

69. I get better every day.

70. I am extraordinary.

71. I forgive myself for my mistakes.

72. Today is a fresh start.

73. I deserve happiness.

74. I'm going to make today count.

75. I can make a difference.

76. My choices are my own.

77. I can and I will.

78. I will be true to myself.

79. I can choose my behavior in every situation.

80. I can handle this.

81. I am a hard worker.

82. Mistakes help me grow.

83. I see the bright side of things.

84. I am polite, I use my manners.

85. I can achieve great things.

86. I am a good sport, whether I win or lose.

87. I spread happiness wherever I am.

88. I am whole.

89. I speak calmly and with confidence.

90. I am thankful for my body.

91. I am deserving of good things.

92. I am thankful for all I have.

93. I am here to love, learn, grow, and have fun along the way.

94. Anything is possible if I believe.

95. I am determined.

96. I am on this planet for a reason.

97. It's okay if someone doesn't like me. I am loved by many.

98. My thoughts are powerful.

99. I trust myself.

100. I am talented and intelligent.

101. I ask for what I need.

102. When I fall, I get back up.

103. I believe others have good intentions.

104. Life is fun!

105. I am resilient.

106. I can be kind, even when it's hard.

107. I will succeed.

108. I can take a deep breath and be calm.

109. I am ready for anything the day brings.

110. I am unstoppable.

Remember to say them out loud every day to see your thoughts transform. If you love these affirmations, check out my Etsy store to find them in printable card format!

Resources for More Information/Sources:

• This Space - The Science Behind Affirmations

• Positive Psychology - Positive Daily Affirmations - Is There Science Behind It?

• Mayo Clinic - Do Positive Affirmations Work?

• Psychology Today - A Guide to Affirmations

• Big Life Journal - Positive Affirmations for Kids

• Ripple Kindness - How to Use Positive Affirmations for Kids

Steps to Teach Reading: Step 5 Reading Comprehension

Teaching your child to read is a complex process that takes time. Check out the first steps in the process to get started.

Step 1: Phonological Awareness

Step 2: Decoding

Step 3: Orthographic Mapping

Step 4: Language Comprehension

At this point, your child is able to read and now you want to make sure they are truly understanding the words they read. Reading comprehension is a critical skill that children need to learn to be successful, especially as they get to later grades that include more complex content and reading.

If you are looking for more in-depth reading on how to teach reading using the science of reading, I would recommend The Science of Reading in Action. I read this book in addition to various websites linked throughout my posts, and I found the book to be extremely helpful. The author also offers other resources beyond the book. While it is focused on classroom learning, it can be applied to teaching your child at home too.

What is Reading Comprehension?

Essentially reading comprehension is the ability to understand written language. It requires orthographic processing, which is the ability to translate the written word to the spoken language we hear in our heads.

There are four brain processes in reading comprehension:

1. Phonological Processing

2. Meaning Processing

3. Context Processing

4. Orthographic Processing

Reading comprehension requires students to draw on background knowledge, make inferences, self-monitor their reading comprehension, form mental images, and summarize and retell

How do we help our children build reading comprehension?

Reading comprehension is a skill that takes time to build. It is also a skill that you can absolutely help your child with at home. There are a number of different strategies that can be used to help increase reading comprehension. I have included five that can easily be done at home.

Request Your Child Summarize

Have your child summarize what they read in their own words.

Ask Questions

Asking questions is an easy way to help your child develop reading comprehension skills. Use open-ended questions. Be sure to ask questions that are found right there in the text, that require them to think and read between the lines (such as making inferences and drawing conclusions), and questions that relate to their reading but provide an opportunity to consider it in a new context.

Make Connections

When you are talking with your child about what they read, help them make connections to their own lives and/or interests.

Use Graphic Organizers

There are a wide variety of graphic organizers and different organizers work for different types of text (and for different children). Often having a visual representation of information such as relationships and ideas presented in the text can help people understand it more clearly. It also gives children a chance to process the information. You don't need anything special either, you can make your own using paper and pen or do a mind map.

Think - aloud

Thinking aloud is a great way to model reading comprehension for your child. A think-aloud is exactly what it sounds like, you are saying your thoughts, decisions, predictions about the text, inferences about the text, etc. out loud as you read to or with your child. This shows them how a fluent reader comprehends a text.

Conclusion

Reading comprehension is the final step in teaching children to read. It is complex and requires patience. There are a number of reading comprehension strategies that you can use to help your child comprehend a text. I have highlighted a few great strategies to help your child that you can easily do at home. The most important thing is to keep reading, be patient, and most of all have fun so your child enjoys reading!

Resources for More Information/Sources:

• The Science of Reading In Action - Malia Hollowell

• Reading Rockets - Reading Comprehension 101

• Reading Rockets - Text Comprehension

• Institute of Education Sciences - Tips for Supporting Reading Skills at Home

• Understood.org - Tips to help your child understand what they read

• Read Naturally - Comprehension: The Goal of Reading

• Benchmark Education - Best Practices in Reading Comprehension

Steps to Teach Reading: Step 4 Language Comprehension

Understanding the process of teaching reading is helpful whether you are looking to teach your child to read at home or support their learning at school. Teaching children how to read is a long process that takes time and patience. Start by checking out the first three steps in these previous posts:

Step 1: Phonological Awareness

Step 2: Decoding

Step 3: Orthographic Mapping

Language comprehension is critical because without understanding language, sounding out the words and reading them won't matter.

What is Language Comprehension?

Simply, language comprehension is the ability to understand spoken and written language. It is the ability to understand the elements of language such as syntax (how to put words together to make a well-formed sentence). It is one of the building blocks of reading comprehension.

There are three brain processes that make up language comprehension:

1. Phonological Processing

2. Meaning Processing

3. Context Processing

Phonological processing starts with phonological awareness, but it can be extended when children converse with others. Especially when they have the opportunity to converse with those who may speak differently (like different regional dialects). Meaning processing is when your brain analyzes the words for meaning based on your vocabulary and then assigns meaning using context processing. Context processing is your brain assigning the correct meaning using background knowledge and your understanding of the situation.

There are five key skills within language comprehension:

1. Vocabulary

2. Background Knowledge

3. Language Structure

4. Literacy Knowledge

5. Verbal Reasoning

Vocabulary

Vocabulary is the understanding of the meaning of words. Within this broad definition, you have listening, speaking, reading, and writing vocabulary.

Children who have a larger vocabulary are at an advantage over those who have a smaller vocabulary. It is much easier to blend the sounds of a word if you recognize the word it forms when put together. It is hard to understand what you are reading if you do not know what the words mean.

Young children will mostly grow their vocabulary by hearing words but as they get older they will also grow their vocabulary through reading. Your child is building their vocabulary from a very young age without direct instruction.

How to build vocabulary indirectly:

• Talk to/with children as much as possible

• Read with your child daily

• Once they are old enough, have them read on their own regularly.

How to build vocabulary directly:

• Verbally give a clear definition for new words

• Once children are older, they can learn new words through reading and context

Background Knowledge

Background knowledge helps children assign meaning to words. A child who has background knowledge on a topic is much more likely to understand and retain new information on that topic.

How can you build your child's background knowledge?

• Teach new words in categories (example: fruit is one category, animals is one category, etc.)

• Compare and contrast

• Read many books on one topic

• Use Multimedia

• When possible try to let your children experience a variety of different experiences

Language Structure:

Language structure changes the meaning of words, so children need to understand language at the sentence level. Think about the word "row."

1. Look at those people as they row down the river.

2. There is a row of toys by the bookshelf.

3. Those kids had a row and had to take a break from recess.

Above are three different sentences using the same word, but the sentence structure changes the meaning of the word.

There are three parts to language structure:

1. Syntax

2. Grammar

3. Semantics

Children learn language structure through hearing language, being read to, reading, and direct instruction.

Literacy Knowledge

Literacy knowledge is a broad term that refers to all of the skills required to understand text including: how letters make words, words make sentences, sentences make paragraphs, reading left to right, and understanding different types of works.

There are a number of ways to develop literacy knowledge in your children including:

• Talking with your children

• Reading aloud to your children

• Using a "think-aloud" to focus on a specific skill while reading aloud

• Connect reading to your child's real experiences

• Slide your finger across the page as you read

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning is the ability to determine the deeper meaning of words and sentences, what is both explicitly and implicitly stated. This includes understanding the meaning of idioms, similes, metaphors, and figures of speech.

When talking with your child, be sure to explain what you are saying. For example, if you say, "Dad is feeling under the weather today," immediately say, "That means that Dad does not feel well today."

This skill can take years to fully develop. Your child will not be able to make inferences about a text until they become more skilled readers. They must learn all of the other skills that come first before they are able to fully grasp this skill.

Conclusion

Language comprehension is a broad term that encompasses many skills and is made up of five main components:

1. Vocabulary

2. Background Knowledge

3. Language Structure

4. Literacy Knowledge

5. Verbal Reasoning

While you can work on many of these skills early, they do take many years to fully develop. Teaching reading is complex and requires patience. Understanding the process is a great first step to supporting children as they learn the most important academic and life skill of reading.

Resources for More Information/Sources:

• The Science of Reading in Action - Malia Hollowell

• NWEA - All About Language Comprehension

• Reading Rockets - Vocabulary

• Reading Rockets - Background Knowledge

• Surrey Schools One - Language Structures

• Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines - Literacy Skills

• Raising Children Network - Literacy Knowledge

• Great Minds - Verbal Reasoning