More than we want to achieve our own goals and be our best selves in the new year, we want the same for our kids. We want them to go into the new year with an elevated sense of self-worth, a drive to learn and grow, and a desire to be kind and courageous. New Year’s resolutions are a great way to get the ball rolling. Having our kids set goals for themselves is a great way for them to be motivated for achievement. And nothing beats seeing them accomplish something they’ve set their minds to.
Something that could be just as powerful, if not more, than personalized resolutions, is implementing the use of positive affirmations. These will be short, positive statements that kids can say out loud to themselves. The goal is that after hearing these positive things again and again, they will start to believe them more and more. To help, we’ve put together a list of 35 thoughtful positive New Year’s affirmations for kids to help make the new year the best one yet.
Some of these affirmations are “I am” statements to help kids embody attributes they want to have. Others serve as a reminder that they’re in charge of their day and future. All of them, though, aim to help them show up as the best version of themselves each day. Check out our list of 35 thoughtful New Year’s affirmations for kids below.
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1. I am creative.
What better way to start each day than with a reminder that they have the power to be creative? Whether their passions lie in art, science, or history, they each have a unique perspective to bring to the table, and this affirmation is a great reminder of that.
2. I believe in myself and what I’m capable of.
Especially during the school year, taking on new lessons can be intimidating. Help them go into each day knowing that they have the ability to learn from whatever comes their way.
3. I have a lot to offer.
We know the world wouldn’t be the same—or nearly as good—without our kiddos. This affirmation aims to help them believe it, too! Whether at home, in the classroom, or on a sports team, they deserve to know that their skills are one of a kind.
4. I am brave.
Life as a kid comes with a lot of changes, many of which can be scary. This affirmation will hopefully help them believe that they are brave enough to tackle anything, no matter how scary it may feel in the moment.
5. I am a good friend.
Friendships are a big part of everyone’s world—especially kids who spend nearly every day with their friends at school. Not only will this affirmation hopefully help them realize how much good they already bring to their friendships, but also help them aspire to continue to be a good friend going forward.
6. I have lots of talents.
Even when they may not see it, we know their talents are limitless. By using this affirmation regularly, they can grow to recognize and appreciate the unique talents they hold.
7. I am unique.
It’s no secret to us how special our little ones are. But in a big world filled with lots of different people, it may not be as easy for them to recognize. This “I am” statement is a great way for them to remember that there is no one else like them.
8. Anything is possible for me.
More than anything, parents want their kids to know that they can be anything they want to be. Encourage them to dream big by sharing this affirmation with them.
9. There are no limits to what I can achieve.
Speaking of encouragement, it’s important for kids to know that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. At a young age, any setback can feel especially discouraging. They can use this as a reminder that they have unlimited opportunities ahead of them.
10. I can make mistakes and learn from them.
When those inevitable setbacks do come around, they can elicit big feelings from little ones. Remind them that everyone makes mistakes and the best thing we can do is learn from them with this affirmation.
11. When I try my best, that is enough.
All we can ever ask of our kids is for them to try their best. This affirmation aims to let them know that even if they don’t receive awards or praise, if they tried their best at something, then that’s an achievement in itself.
12. I can make a difference.
Whether on the playground or years down the line, kids should know that they have the power to make a difference in the world around them. They can change things for the better at home, at school, and anywhere else.
13. I will think positively today.
It’s no surprise that there is power in positivity. And while kids should be encouraged to feel their feelings as they arise, going into each day with a positive mindset will make the challenges easier and the achievements even better.
14. I am ready to learn.
Start each school day off right with this mantra that will get them excited for the lessons ahead.
15. I make the world a better place.
Just with their presence, our kiddos make the world a better place. Help them understand just how special they are with this powerful sentiment.
16. I can ask for help when I need it.
Make sure your little one remembers that there are people who are always willing to help them. Whether it’s with a school project or they need advice on a friendship, knowing they can ask for help will help make them feel safe and cared for.
17. I am proud of myself.
Little ones accomplish things every day that they deserve to feel proud of. Remind them that they can celebrate their achievements with this important “I am” statement.
18. I matter.
This mantra can help ensure little ones never feel overshadowed. This affirmation will help them realize that they are important to the people around them.
19. Today will be a great day.
Every day has the power to be a great day. And while we don’t want to discourage them from talking about things that go wrong, starting each day believing that the day ahead will be a great one may be powerful enough to make it happen.
20. I am loved.
Just like hearing “I love you” from people they’re close to, this statement can be incredibly influential in kids’ self-worth. Because we always want them to feel the love we have for them, encourage them to use this “I am” statement proudly and often.
21. I am comfortable in my own skin.
Being yourself is the best person you can be. As kids, there can be pressure to change who you are in order to “fit in.” Although, have your child look at the phrase, “fitting in,” from a different angle. It can mean to strive to fit into your authentic self. Loving yourself for who you are is a beautiful thing.
22. I am in control of how I think and feel.
Things may not always go as planned, and that’s OK. Help your child look at each situation by reflecting inward and talking about what they’re thinking and how they’re feeling at the moment. They may not be able to control external factors in the world, but they can control how they think and feel with your help.
23. I can always try again.
The saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again,” is a great way to teach your kids that getting to a goal can take many different paths along the way. When you don’t get something the first time, it means that there are opportunities to grow and learn.
24. I am curious.
Curiosity is such a beautiful thing to have, not only as a kid but throughout your entire life. Encouraging your child to be curious deepens relationships and increases positivity.
25. I celebrate the success of others.
Spread joy and positivity by celebrating the success of others. This affirmation shares that any success is worth celebrating, even if it’s not your own. Rooting for each other and acknowledging others’ hard work exudes a positive culture.
26. I am open-minded
Learning to be accepting of new people and ideas is one of the most important lessons a little kid can learn. As we usher in the new year, remind your kiddos that difference is not something to be afraid of—it should be celebrated.
27. I am happy to help
There are many things to consider when teaching your little ones to be a good child, sibling, and friend. Willingness to help and show kindness to those around us—even when it’s not especially convenient—is key, particularly in settings like school and extracurriculars.
28. I am not ashamed of my emotions
For a big feelings kid, emotions can be overwhelming. A lot of the time, it’s easier to just shut them down entirely. But as we teach our kiddos to process their emotions, we must also teach acceptance. Every emotion is valid and should be treated with care.
29. It’s okay not to know everything
Little ones are often victim to a frustration we can all understand—a frustration over not having all the answers about everything they need to. Besides reminding our kids that they can always ask for help, inform them that not knowing everything is very normal, even for adults.
30. I am an active listener
Some kids will need this reminder more than others, but as we head into the second half of the school year, listening is always something we can all be working on. Remind your little ones that school is the most fun (and rewarding) when we have open ears for our teachers and classmates.
31. I am stronger than what scares me
Fears, even for little ones, are extremely personal, and can feel all too overwhelming. This new year, remind your kiddos what scares us doesn’t define us. We are bigger than our fears.
32. I listen to my body
Teaching kids body safety and awareness is—now more than ever—so important. This new year, remind your kiddos that they are in charge of listening to the signals their body gives them and responding appropriately. Taking care of ourselves year round should be a priority for all.
33. I am a problem solver
As kids get older, their parents may not be over their shoulders to help them every second of every day. As the elementary years progress, remind them that most problems have a solution—and that they are capable of finding it.
34. I am thankful for the love in my life
Thanksgiving isn’t the only time of year to express our gratitude. As the clock strikes midnight, remind your kiddos that they are lucky to have family and friends who love them, just as their friends and family are lucky to have them.
35. I am not alone
As a kid, the world can be a big and scary place, even with a family that loves you at your side. Little reminders like this—that nothing is too overwhelming, when we have each other—can go a long way.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Former Assistant Editor
As the former Assistant Editor, Brett worked with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own stories. Her favorite topics to write about are baby names, culture, relationships, and living.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern
As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.
