Do you have a mouth? I bet you are like, of course I do. Why do you have a mouth? To talk, communicate and of course to say something. Right?
What happens when you use this mouth of yours to speak positive and life giving words to yourself every single day? (I am sure you already have an answer).
An Affirmation is a declaration that something is true. Now can you just imagine what happens when you commit to saying positive words to yourself each day.
I had a little book long before I got married where I wrote down certain declarations. I said those words consistently to myself for many months. Years have passed and I am actually amazed at how some of those things have come to pass.
But then life happened, and I forgot this powerful tool that could make a great difference in my life as a woman and mother. I neglected my affirmations.
Sometime in 2019, I saw a post by RonkePosh on Facebook where she talked about saying daily affirmations and teaching our kids to do the same. I committed that day to start saying my affirmations again.
And the good news is that you can also make a fresh commitment to start saying your affirmations today. You can start by writing down your personal affirmations and commit to saying them daily. When you do, then you can teach your children about the beauty of affirmations and also encourage them to start saying theirs as well.
You will be amazed at how quickly children grab these things. I have a 9 and 4 -year old and I encourage them to always say their affirmations. My 4-year old can now say those sentences without even looking at where I put it up.
I started with my kids last year, and what I do is to remind them to say their affirmations just before they leave for school. There are times when we miss some days, and my older kid just ignores saying it on other days, but I keep encouraging and reminding them about how powerful those words are.
You must also remember that with children, patience and encouragement is key. In the end, you are planting good seeds in their hearts and lives that will surely bear great fruits.
So here are 3 quick tips to help your kids say their daily affirmations.
1. Keep it Simple and Short
I am sure you know that children are always easily distracted. They are here one minute and then the next minute, they are off to try something new.
So in getting them to say their affirmations, you may want to keep the words and sentences simple and short. Use words that they understand and can easily relate to.
You can start with three or five sentences and build it from there as they get used to your first set of sentences. Also involve them in the process and let them help you out in choosing what they want to say. This will give them a sense of belonging and also a great time to bond as well.
2. Say Your Affirmations Together
Children easily pick up habits from their parents. It is also easier to get them to do things when they have seen you doing that same thing.
A good way to get them to say their affirmations is to say it together with them. As you dress them up for school, you all can chorus the words together. ‘ I am a child of the most high God. I am bold. I am smart. I am valuable. I am a wonder to many. ‘
I remember when I first started, I would lift my daughter up and alongside her brother, we will say those words together smiling and gesticulating.
When you are able to keep at it, it will become a daily part of their lives and they will always have those memories in their hearts.
3. Stay Consistent and Do Not Give Up.
It can be frustrating when your child does not seem to take sides with you on this journey of saying affirmations. And as they get older and begin to have a mind of their own, it will get tougher. The younger they are, the easier it is to teach and instill good habits and values. But I believe that no matter what age they are, it is never too late to start.
So keep at it even when the kids do not look like they are cooperating. Tell them why affirmations are good and how words are powerful and can build us up from inside. I tell my son, Imagine saying ‘I am intelligent’ every single day, that you will eventually become what you are saying. So never ever give up on this journey.
“Words are powerful whether written or spoken, but when words are spoken, there is a power that goes with those words to make them a reality.” Unknown
Will you start saying your affirmations today?And will you teach and encourage your kids to say their affirmations today?
Ufuoma.
Image Credit: Pinterest @ sonshinemama
