The Benefit of Positive Affirmations for Children

When you do a good job at something, and it’s recognized with praise, it makes you feel good. But should praise only be given when something has been done? Everything we say and do has consequences, good and bad. Perhaps we need to be more purposeful in our praise, especially to children.

I have not yet talked about affirmations and the benefits they bring. As for children, I think it’s something that we should do as often as we can. Have you ever noticed that when you tell your kids they’re being bad or that they’ve done something wrong, their whole disposition changes; either they turn moody, or they get sad. What if we were to turn that around and instead of making them feel bad about their mistake (after all, they’re just children, and they are learning), we should get to the bottom of why. Wording is critical when speaking with children.

For example, if your child lies about something, instead of saying “You’re a liar!”, or, “You’re lying!”, get to the root of it and find out why. Maybe they’re embarrassed about something and the environment you’ve created is not safe for them to share why they’re not telling the truth. Now they are scared about sharing because they feel you’ll either judge them or criticize them.

The reason why children act out with parents more than anyone else is because they feel safest with you. They can show their true selves with you, hence the temper tantrums and the violent outbursts. All they really need is a warm cozy hug and love from you…