I AM - Positive Affirmations for Kids

To kick off this long awaited dream of The Conscious Classroom, I’ll begin with how my 4 year old starts his day; positive self affirmations.
My mother used positive self affirmations with me on the way into school every morning as a child, and I picked them up seriously again in 2012 after reading What To Say When You Talk To Yourself by Shad Helmstetter. Upon becoming a mother, I soon realized how important this practice can be for budding minds who’s basic programming is said to be in place by age 3.

The thoughts we regularly entertain influence our habits and ultimately create the reality we experience. The more times a thought occurs, the stronger the neural connection becomes to access the idea. When traveled repetitively, these neural “thought” pathways become familiar and integrate themselves into the subconscious. This is what I refer to as “programming”. Studies done by the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences show how the subconscious plays a major role in reflexes and decision making.
We become programmed by the information we receive via the senses. When we use “self talk” affirmations, we are feeling the vibration of the words, we are hearing them, and if we’re in front of a mirror, we’re seeing ourselves speak it. Integrating the senses is powerful and helps reset subconscious patterning. It doesn't matter if you believe what you’re saying. Chances are, if you affirm yourself consistently, you eventually will.

Language is vibration encoded with multiple layers of information including words, tone, inflection, and intention.

Words are quite literally spells which makes it important to monitor what goes in our ears and what comes out of our mouths. We also use the 3-gates technique when speaking in our home;

“Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: At the first gate, ask yourself “Is is true?” At the second gate ask, “Is it necessary?” At the third gate ask, “Is it kind?” ~ Rumi

Music, TV, stories, and who we surround ourselves with matter almost as much as what we say to ourselves. Far from creating an egotist, affirming oneself builds a healthy self love and respect. This builds true confidence, not the false confidence portrayed as cockiness which is often a guise for depleted self love.

We can only truly Love others from the overflow of Love that we have for ourselves.

I enjoy the habit of using positive self affirmations first thing in the morning to start my daily programming with a great mindset. Eye contact is a powerful tool I incorporate by looking at my eyes in the mirror as I remind myself of the Loved and Loving Being that I Am.

Children are naturally enchanted with their own reflections. It wasn’t hard to get my son to stare at his eyes and tell himself wonderful things. Since he isn’t reading yet, I use a simple list of statements that I say aloud and he repeats after me. I created this list with the intention of being easy to remember and aligning with the values I wish to instill. We also spend time discussing and learning about the value of each statement as it is introduced. The list grows and changes with the child, being added to and rewritten as new concepts are able to be received. Even mine is vastly different now than 5 years ago, which also serves as a powerful testament of self growth.

Above is the current list we recite together before any other morning routine. Admittedly, some mornings succumb to wild toddler whims and the affirmations wait or sit on the shelf for the day. We taped a printed copy to the mirror at Remy’s dressing station to help us remember, but since children thrive in routine, the event soon became a natural part of the morning. Either way, incorporating affirmations will have a beneficial impact. Hearing my son randomly tell me that he’s kind, smart, or Divine, and loves himself is all the encouragement I need to continue making affirmations a daily ritual.

This example is not a one size fits all, and any self talk can be created to reflect your own beliefs and ideals. Share your success with positive self affirmations and tag me on Instagram for a feature on my social media page. ♥

Happy positive programming!

Love, Light, & cosmic hugs.

Mother Woods