How to Help Your Child Build Self-Esteem Through Positive Affirmations

As parents, there are many times when we actively have to psych ourselves up: like in the terrifying moments after a child hits their head and you have to go into superhero mode (it's ok, Mommy will take care of this!) The same goes for our kids—there are inevitably times when they have been upset by something, like a friend leaving them out, or being bullied on the playground.  By guiding them through some simple affirmations, which they can repeat to themselves in or after those incidents, we can help them feel safe, and more confident in themselves, according to Ella Sims, founder of Becoming Women. Sims shared two variations with Hopscotch—one that's appropriate for 5 to 8 year olds and another that's for 9 to 12 year olds. Play them for your kids and encourage them to repeat those phrases to themselves when they are struggling in social situations.