Teaching Kids Positive Self-Talk

The words and thoughts that kids say to themselves can shape how they feel, learn and handle challenges.  Teaching positive self-talk helps kids build confidence, resilience and a healthy sense of self-worth.

Encourage kids to replace “I can’t” or “I’m not good at this” with “I’m still learning!”  Remind them that skills grow with time, practice and effort.  Making mistakes is a part of learning.  It’s not a reason to give up.

Help kids recognize their talents, skills and good qualities.  Are they a good friend?  Do they share, help others and show kindness?  Remind kids that they are worthy of kindness, love and respect.  What goes around usually comes around and they deserve to receive these same kindnesses that they show others.

Make positive affirmations part of everyday family life.  Parents and caregivers can role-model their own affirmations out loud.  Examples may include ‘I can figure this out” or “I’m proud of myself for trying and working hard.”

Try a daily or weekly “Proud of Myself” moment.  At bedtime, at dinner, or on the weekend invite and encourage kids to share something they did well, something they learned or a kind thing they did for others.

Finally, remind kids that everyone has bad days.  Difficult days do not define who we are.  

With encouragement, practice positive self-talk so kids can learn to believe in themselves—one small step at a time.