You may have seen affirmation cards for children popping up more and more, but what exactly are they and how can you actually use them?
Affirmation cards are a simple way to introduce positive words and messages into your child's everyday life. They can be part of a morning routine, a bedtime ritual or simply something you reach for when your child needs a little confidence boost.
Here's how they work and a few simple ways to make them part of your day.
What are affirmation cards for kids?
Affirmation cards are cards with simple, positive statements such as “I am brave”, “I am kind” or “I can do hard things”.
For children, hearing these kinds of messages regularly can be a way to encourage positive self-talk and give them words they can come back to when they need them.
They're not magic and they're not going to make every difficult feeling disappear. But they can be a simple reminder of the things you want your child to believe about themselves.
What age can children use them?
Children can start using affirmation cards from around 2 to 3 years old.
They don't need to be able to read. You can simply read the card together and talk about what it means, or ask your child which one they would like to choose.
For younger children, pictures can also help bring the message to life and make the cards easier to understand.
The important thing is to keep it simple. You don't need to sit down for a long activity. One card and a little conversation can be enough.
How can you actually use them?
There really isn't one right way to use them. Here are a few ideas to try.
Start the morning with one
Let your child choose an affirmation before getting ready for the day.
They might choose "I am brave" before a new experience, or simply pick their favourite.
You could read it together and talk about what it means to them.
Use them at bedtime
Affirmations don't have to be something you only use in the morning.
Choose a card at bedtime and read it together as part of your usual routine.
It can be a simple way to end the day with some positive words.
Reach for one when they need a boost
If your child is feeling nervous about something or doesn't think they can do it, an affirmation can give you something to talk about.
You could say, "Remember this one?" and read the card together.
The aim isn't to tell them not to feel worried. It's simply to remind them of another way to look at themselves.
Keep one somewhere they can see it
You could put a favourite affirmation on a bedside table, shelf or somewhere your child spends time.
You can change it whenever you like, or let your child choose which one stays on display.
Affirmation cards as a gift
Affirmation cards can also make a thoughtful gift for children.
They're something you can use together rather than something that simply gets put away after opening.
They can work for birthdays, Christmas, starting school or simply as a little confidence boost when a child is going through a change.
Little Goose Affirmation Cards
I created my Kids Affirmation Cards to give parents a simple way to bring positive messages into their child's everyday life.
The cards are designed for children aged 2+ and feature simple affirmations around confidence, kindness, self-belief and positive thinking.
The My First Affirmation Cards set includes 15 illustrated cards, a cotton bag and a wooden stand, so you can keep a favourite affirmation on display and change it whenever you like.
You can read them together, let your child choose their own card or simply keep one somewhere they'll see it during the day.
There's no right or wrong way to use them. The idea is simply to give children a few positive words to hear, talk about and hopefully carry with them.
