Nurturing Little Hearts: The Power of Morning and Bedtime Affirmations

As we prepare for the day ahead and settle in for a cosy night's sleep, there are opportunities to sow seeds of positivity and self-belief in the hearts and minds of our little ones.

Affirmations, simple yet profound statements of encouragement, acceptance and love, wield a transformative power in shaping young minds and hearts.

Through deliberate repetition, affirmations instil confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of self-worth in children, paving the way for a bright and emotionally healthy future.

In a world overflowing with critics, distractions and uncertainties, affirmations act as gentle reminders of our inner strength and beauty.

There is a quote from Shunryu Suzuki “ If your mind is empty- It is open to, everything. In the beginner mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert mind there are few”.

This resonates with the minds of our little ones. Life had not yet tainted them or their self-love, this is the perfect time to shape their young minds into secure and confident beings who know their value.

If you ask an adult to say the words “I love myself” very few are going to be willing to make that statement aloud without feeling embarrassed or awkward, but if you ask your little one to say it they will proudly declare it, because their ego does not yet exist, therefore if we can shape their minds to begin every day with such a statement, they will grow up thinking and feeling that it is just a “normal” simple statement that empowers them to expect to be treated accordingly, instead of getting to an age where they have to uncondition themselves from what the world had taught them.  

By incorporating them into our daily routine, we create a sacred space for our children to nurture their budding self-esteem and cultivate a mindset rooted in optimism and gratitude, a safe space to figure out who they are as individuals, and their strength and to accept that everyone has “weaknesses” or “flaws” they can work on changing or work on loving but it doesn't determine who they are as a whole or make them less of a person. 

Here are some affirmations to infuse into your mornings and evenings, creating a nurturing environment for your little ones to blossom:

*** Every child and family is different so these are just suggestions I personally would tailor them to words of encouragement you know your child will benefit the most from. Tailored specifically to their own worries, struggles and needs.***

**Morning Affirmations:**

1. I am brave, kind, and smart.

2. Today, I will learn and grow.

3. I am surrounded by love and support.

4. I am unique and special just as I am.

5. I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

6. I am excited for the day and to learn new things.

7. I am a good listener.

8. My voice is important.

**Bedtime Affirmations:**

1. I am safe, I am loved, and I am enough.

2. Today was filled with moments of joy and laughter.

3. I am grateful for…. (A moment, action, person, place or item they are thankful for)

4. It is ok to make mistakes and I will try my best again tomorrow.

5. I am beautiful and I like myself just the way I am.

6. Iam a good friend, son/daughter and sibling 

7. Iam kind and show compassion to others.

***This question allows your little one to reflect on their strengths. It's even good as an adult when you're feeling a little lost or struggling, I ask myself regularly when I need to remind myself that even when life seems to be stagnant I have grown as a person.***

As parents, it is our duty to nurture the hearts and minds of our children.

By weaving affirmations into their daily rhythm, we gift them with a treasure trove of self-belief and resilience that will guide them through life's ebbs and flows.

Let us make a conscious effort to sow the seeds of positivity in their young hearts, knowing that these affirmations will bloom into a garden of confidence and inner strength.