I admit that until recently, I wasn’t entirely sold on the power of affirmations.
Some part of my brain resisted the idea that words could truly wield such power.
Ok and yes, as a writer, I do see the irony in what I just wrote!
But anyways.
It wasn’t that I actually doubted the power of words; I just hadn’t seen young people introduced to affirmations in a way that resonated.
However, that changed when I started to work with B.R.A.V.E, a group that delivers leadership workshops for Black students. The group’s leader excitedly explained how she had introduced the students to affirmations.
The leaders provided them with affirmations and encouraged them to embrace affirming words at each workshop.
I witnessed incredible changes unfold after only a few weeks of the program. Even as they spoke affirming words to start a workshop, shy smiles turned into confident grins. I saw how relationships in the room—across ages and grades—strengthened, and how they began to see themselves and each other in a powerfully positive light.
The impact of these simple yet powerful words was undeniable.
Affirmations are a simple yet profound tool
And it’s not just me, psychologists stand behind the power of affirmations. There is a growing body of research and evidence suggesting that our brains respond to positive affirmations.
For children, affirmations are a powerful and necessary tool to help ensure their mindset remains positive. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, our children face a world that demands so much from them. From excelling in school to navigating social dynamics, the pressure is constant and often overwhelming.
Amidst all these demands, affirmations are a simple yet profound tool we can offer them.
For our Black boys, affirmations can be more than just words—they offer a nurturing embrace. Affirmations let boys know it’s okay to feel, be vulnerable, reflect, and seek comfort. These affirmations help boys break free from narrow definitions of masculinity, empowering them to accept all their emotions and experiences. Importantly, the right affirmations assure boys they are valued and loved just as they are.
Our Black girls often feel the expectation to be the “strong Black woman,” a label that celebrates resilience but doesn’t leave room for much else. While Quotes for Teen girls can inspire, affirmations hit differently. Speaking affirmations can permit girls to be more than strong. The right words encourage her to believe her worth is inherent, and not earned by what she does for others. It shows them the strength of holding space for softness, growth, seeking help and rest in ways that prioritize their well-being.
Moreover, affirmations are a powerful tool, not just for boosting our mood in the moment, but for fostering long-term personal growth and mental wellness.
Positive Affirmations Bring Out the Best in Us
For our children, affirmations are a powerful reminder that their value goes beyond their ability to endure and persevere. Having a collection of powerful affirmations on hand can be part of a self-care practice. Affirmations are short prompts that invite us to engage in emotional self-care. Daily affirmations encourage us to embrace personal growth, and mental wellness and push back against negative voices.
When we help children consistently reinforce positive beliefs about themselves, they internalize these messages. This helps to counteract some of the negative thoughts and limiting beliefs that can hold them back. Over time, this practice can help build a more resilient, confident self-image, allowing kids to face challenges with a stronger, more positive outlook.
If, like me, you take comfort in the written word, affirmations can be journal prompts we use in daily life. For others, repeating these words out loud might provide grounding calm after a long day and a deep breath.
Whether we are weighed down by social expectations or world politics, affirmations can help us take control of our thoughts when the world around us feels out of our control.
Affirmations that Embrace Black Identity
The diversity of our community is a source of strength and beauty. Connecting to our heritage and ancestors can provide a profound sense of belonging. We all deserve to center and celebrate our roots. Our family, cultures and history shape who we are today.
These affirmations celebrate identity and heritage, encouraging us to embrace ourselves completely. By centering the essence of who we are, we create a mindset that allows us to thrive and be our best selves.
My culture is my superpower.
I radiate joy and pride in my heritage and culture.
My uniqueness is my greatest asset.
I honour the traditions and values that my culture centres.
I embrace my beauty, intelligence, and creativity.
Affirmations that Celebrate the Power of Community
At the heart of Blackness is community. Having support and finding those who uplift and speak life into us can have a profound impact.
To create a strong community, we sometimes need to make space to welcome it into our lives. These affirmations can help our children do just that. Embracing community and opening the door to connections that enrich and support us every day.
I am surrounded by positive energy and loving support.
I deserve safety, protection, and security.
My family sees me as a gift.
I shine brightly and uplift those around me.
I cherish my family, whether they are connected to me by birth or by choice.
Affirmations that Celebrate a Growth Mindset
In my work with Black youth, the difference I see in them day-to-day is astounding. Every day is an opportunity for growth and learning. They are never the same kid week to week or even day to day. Affirmations that celebrate this journey assure our kids that what matters is that they are constantly growing, learning, and evolving. We all are.
When we introduce them to affirmations, many kids quickly embrace their power to challenge any limiting belief that holds them back. No matter where they are in their journey, these affirmations help youth to honour the journey rather than the destination.
I believe in my dreams.
I have the power to make my dreams a reality.
I am dedicated to progress not perfection.
I embrace challenges because they help me grow.
I am constantly growing and evolving into my best self.
I am proud of my progress and celebrate my journey.
Affirmations that Encourage Black children to Use their Voice
Our children also need to understand that it’s not only safe but essential to use their voices and recognize their potential as change-makers. Affirmations play a crucial role in instilling this belief.
Whether they aspire to make a difference in the world or within their relationships, their thoughts and opinions hold value. Affirmations can help give children the confidence to be themselves authentically and to challenge the status quo.
When we encourage them with affirmations like “My voice matters” or “I have the power to create positive change,” we empower them to speak up and act with conviction.
This empowerment is key to nurturing their sense of agency and resilience, preparing them to navigate and impact the world around them confidently.
I am enough.
My voice matters and deserves to be heard.
I deserve happiness and success in all I do.
I am allowed to express my feelings and emotions.
I deserve to take up space and be bold as I choose.
Affirmations that Focus on Healing and Self-love
Affirmations that focus on healing and self-love are like seeds. When planted with intention and care, they grow into deep-rooted beliefs that sustain our children through life’s challenges.
These affirmations can help our kids see themselves through the clear, loving eyes of those who cherish them.
I was born worthy.
I am worthy of love, compassion, and forgiveness.
I breathe in calmness and breathe out tension and stress.
I honour my emotions and give myself permission to feel.
I nurture myself with love, care, and understanding.
Affirmations that Celebrate the Power of Rest
Too often, messages about hard work neglect to mention that rest is equally important. We are bombarded with the idea that constant hustle is the only path to success.
But the truth is, rest is key to being one’s best self. This is where affirmations come in, offering a daily dose of inspiration and a reminder that balance is essential. When our children start their day with affirmations like “I am worthy of rest” or “My well-being matters,” they begin to understand that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.
These powerful words can help them break free from the relentless cycle of overexertion. Centering rests helps children to embrace a more holistic approach to success, where their mental, emotional, and physical health are all given the care and attention they deserve.
I deserve the clarity, energy, and peace that rest gives me.
I am a human being, not a human doing, and that is enough.
My well-being matters.
I give myself permission to rest and recharge.
I listen to my body and give it the rest it needs.
Resting is a productive and essential part of my life.
Positive Affirmations Bring Out the Best in Us
While affirmations might seem simple and short, their effects are anything but. Regularly practicing positive affirmations can have a lasting impact on our self-esteem, gradually reshaping our self-perception and overall mindset. Each affirming word acts as a shield, a gentle reminder that our children are deserving of love, rest, and success.
I have seen firsthand how affirmations became a nurturing embrace, a daily dose of inspiration that helped a group of young leaders step into their true potential. In witnessing their transformation, I had no choice but to become a believer in the power of positive affirmations.
As parents, caregivers, and mentors, we have the incredible privilege of planting these seeds of positivity in our children’s lives. Affirmations are gifts of words that heal, inspire, and nurture. A gift easily shared with our children, one powerful word at a time.
If you’re now a believer in the power of affirmations, we’ve got plenty of resources to help you on your journey. Check out our downloadable PDF, filled with a curated list of powerful affirmations. The writer in me also had to create a PDF of writing prompts to support my fellow pen-and-paper type of folks. Click to download, share, or use it as your personal daily dose of positivity. Explore our site for more affirming resources to uplift and inspire you every day.
