Positive+Affirmations

We all could use a little help in the area of positive affirmations and positive self-talk. Kids who are stuggling in school frequently share with me me "what they say to themselves" and I am heartbroken. They tell themselves things they would NEVER think to say to another human being. "I am so stupid", "I am unloveable", "I'm not good at anything" and "I can't do it" This can be a self fulfilling prophecy and it is very difficult to stop the cycle of negativity. My goal is to remind my student just how special and unique they are and to stop this negative self-talk. I encourage my students to be __kinder to themselves__ and give them the tools to do so. I ask my students to pick a "mantra" or saying they can tell themselves each day, several times a day, while looking into a mirror. It is positive, short and something good they believe about themselves. They HAVE to BELIEVE. I let them know this a compliment to the self, a personal gift of words and I remind them that someday, when they feel better about themselves, they will be thankful for the gift they gave themselves.

I pair this lesson with several books that focus on self-esteem and speaking up for oneself. A running theme in them all is how importnat it is to stick/speak up for yourself and feel good about yourself no matter what someone else says. The photo montage below highlights some of my favorite literature connections. I encourage you to read them with your child and continue the conversation started at school.

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