I don’t know about you, but I love hearing that I’m doing a good job as a parent. And since part of being a good parent means that my kids may not love every decision I make, sometimes I have to be the one to tell myself that I am killing it over here.
So for that reason (and so many others), I enjoy the validation, encouragement, and reminders that affirmations can offer.
Affirmations—these small bits of encouragement that remind me to be my best self—are helpful for my kids, too. My son’s first-grade teacher leads the kids through a daily affirmation: “I am loved. I am smart. I can do anything.” And it got me thinking about what kinds of words and ideas I want my kids to be able to have on hand when they need some reassurance. I want to help them develop a confident inner voice.
In past years, I’ve used Valentine’s Day and the month of February to write little love notes to my kids. Each night after they go to bed, I add a heart to their door with something about them that I truly adore (you can read more about the ways my family celebrates Valentine’s Day here). This past year, they liked their hearts so much that they left them up… for the whole year (and I’m appreciating the extra mom points I got for just saying yes to their request).
This year, from February 1st through 14th, instead of hearts on my kids’ doors with something about them that I love, I’m going to add daily post-it notes to their bathroom mirror with affirmations to help them build a positive, confident inner voice.
Here are the affirmations I’m planning to use:
- I am loved and respected.
- I can do hard things.
- It is enough to do my best.
- I can ask for help.
- I choose my attitude.
- I make the world a better place.
- I am important.
- My mistakes help me learn and grow.
- I am proud of myself.
- I am kind and honest.
- I am strong.
- I am a good friend.
- I have many talents and abilities.
- I am a problem solver.
For my fellow moms—the magic makers, the kissers of boo-boos, the dependable taxi drivers—here are a few affirmations for us:
- I am exactly the parent my child needs.
- I am a good parent.
- I can ask for help (it’s a good reminder for kids and adults!).
- We are all learning as we go.
- I am doing an amazing job!
- I am strong and capable.
- I got this!
Moms say it out loud: You’ve got this!
