Use Positive Affirmations to Boost Confidence and Resilience
Ever looked in the mirror and thought, ‘I’m just a sleep-deprived human marshmallow’? Yeah, me too. Positive affirmations might sound like something from a yoga retreat, but they’re actually the secret sauce for surviving tantrums, spilled milk, and the existential dread of parenthood. Give it a try—worst case, you and your kid get really good at pep talks (and maybe the dog joins in).
Regular positive affirmations help rewire the brain for optimism and resilience—think of it as mental strength training, but with fewer squats. For kids, hearing encouraging words from you boosts self-esteem and emotional regulation. For parents, it’s a self-soothing trick that can lower stress and help you avoid turning into the Hulk during the next meltdown.
How to do it
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Pick a few affirmations that genuinely resonate with you—ones that don’t make you roll your eyes. Bonus points if your child helps choose them.
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Write the affirmations on sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them often: mirrors, doors, or even unexpected spots like the toilet tank.
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Say the affirmations out loud together, especially during challenging moments. Try it before a big test, after a tantrum, or right before tackling the task of putting on tiny socks.
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Keep the mood light and authentic. It’s normal to feel a bit silly at first—don’t let that stop you. Everyone needs a hype squad sometimes.
Tips:
- Involve your child in picking or creating affirmations for more buy-in.
- Switch up the locations of your notes to keep things fresh.
- Use humor to make the practice enjoyable for everyone.
- Consistency helps—try to make it a daily habit.
