Just like us, our children have self-talk going on inside their heads. Most of this talk began with us as parents, then moved on to teachers and peers. Have you thought about the messages you send your children when you speak to them?

Have you ever said something like, “You’re getting on my nerves,” “It’s not that hard, you should try harder,” or “Why can’t you be more like ____?” These messages tell our child what we think of him or her. For us, it’s just in that moment of frustration or exhaustion. For the child, those comments can last a lifetime.

Do you want to help your child change the negative messages?

If you have an infant or toddler, you can print this post and read the affirmations to them each day. Commit a few to memory and say them to your child often.

If your child is older, make sure you spend time telling him or her how much you love them. Use these affirmations to reinforce positive messages. Even teenagers will respond, if you are consistent and sincere.

Of course, you still must discipline (it’s not a bad word) bad behavior. Let your child understand right and wrong. But, even when they misbehave, tell your child that you love them, just not the way they are conducting themselves.

Here is a list of affirmations for you to share with your child:

• I love you.
• I am glad I had you.
• I am glad you are part of this family.
• You are very important to me.
• You are a good person.
• You have a great smile.
• You are a lot of fun to be with.
• I enjoy being around you.
• I am glad you help me (task).
• I like it when you laugh.
• You are so smart.
• You are a great learner.
• I’m proud of you for (specific action).
• I am excited to see you grow up.
• You are such a talented (name of talent).
• I am proud to be your mother/father.
• You are a hard worker.
• Thank you for (specific action).

There are millions of potential affirmations we can say to our children. Any time you say something positive to your child, you are affirming that behavior or self-image. With this in mind, make sure you tell your children that they are intelligent, capable, worthy of love and perfect just as they are.

If you want to come up with your own affirmations for your children, it’s not hard. Just think about what you would have liked your parents to say to you. Say these things to your child.

Did your parents share a special affirmation with you growing up? Or do you have something special you say to your child? Share it here. Help another parent raise a confident child.