My mom believed I could do anything. When I came home at age 11 and said I wanted to go out for the volleyball team, she asked when the tryouts were. When I said a year later I wanted to be in the honors math program, she arranged a meeting with my guidance counselor (he disagreed, but that’s another story). There was never a time in my life when she said no to some ambition or dream I wanted to pursue. Sometimes I succeeded, and sometimes I didn’t. But her support throughout my childhood gave me the confidence I needed as an adult to get through some really tough times.
Believing in a child can give him or her courage and confidence. And even if she doesn’t always succeed, your support encourages her to keep trying. Affirmation for kids starts with believing in them and their potential. Try incorporating some of these “I-believe-in-you” statements and printables to build their confidence every day.
1. “You can do it. Try.”
My kid asked if I thought he’d do OK in a middle school French class. Would it be hard? Maybe. Might the extra homework take away from his evening free time? Yep. But did I think he could do it? I did. Print out iMOM’s 30-Day Encouragement Challenge for more motivation.
2. “Give it a shot.”
A friend said her daughter was undecided about trying a field hockey camp over the summer. My friend said, “Give it a shot!” Her daughter shrugged and said, “OK.” It was enough for the girl that her mom thought she could do it.
3. “You’ll get there.”
Use this affirmation for kids when their confidence seems shaken. It’s a little dose of encouragement that tells your child you believe in her and what she’s capable of.
4. “Success doesn’t happen overnight.”
Affirming your kid by adding a dose of reality reminds him he may not be successful immediately, but he should keep at it. A habit tracker from iMOM can help your child track his progress. 
5. “I have faith in your abilities.”
What a powerful affirmation! I’m going to try to find more opportunities to say this statement to my kids.
6. “I know you can handle this.”
When I can see my child doubting herself, I let her know I believe in her by saying this. It’s especially important for my tween as she gets older and has more homework and outside activities piled on.
7. “What you’re doing matters.”
For the kid who doesn’t know if his hard work will ever pay off, you can let him know that what he’s doing matters. Whether it’s greeting the surly neighbor every time he sees him or recycling his plastic water bottles, you’re giving him confidence to keep at it.
Having a mom in her corner may be the key to your child discovering her passion and chasing her dreams. Click To Tweet8. “Go for it.”
If your child hesitates even a little, tell her to go for it. Having a mom in her corner may be the key to your child discovering her passion and chasing her dreams.
9. “I have confidence in you.”
Not only does this affirmation say you believe in them, but it also gives the encouragement kids need to finish something hard. It says, “Honey, I truly believe you’re capable of doing this!” Print out iMOM’s Encouraging Words for Kids for more ways to tell your child you believe in him!
What other powerful affirmations for kids do you use at home?
