Practically speaking, I am definitely not the world's greatest mother, but when it comes to philosophical parenting, I am on it.
What I lack in laundry skills I make up for in communicating with my little ones, and that is why I am a big believer in positive affirmations and the importance of using them from an early age.
Put simply; it is a way your child can speak to themselves, a statement of belief and something they can tell themselves as a way of making their lives easier and hopefully better.
Self-affirmations were first used by French psychologist Emile Coué in the 1920's, and it has risen in popularity in recent years as a simple tool for boosting confidence and developing the skill of self-belief.
But do they actually work?
Research from Carnegie Mellon University has found the first proper evidence that self-affirmation can help protect against stress. By identifying and focusing on our own individual values, we boost our problem-solving ability, relieving stress and realising that we can control our own behaviours.
As parents, we are responsible for creating positive thought patterns which can help your children establish their own blueprint for life. By repeating positive statements, we can allow our children internalise good values.
It is important to remember that saying the words out loud have a much more profound effect than just reading them or thinking them.
Here are some tips for affirmations you can do with your children. I try to do them before bed or on the way to school in the car (when I remember!)
1. I am safe
2. I am loved
3. Every problem has an answer
4. I am kind
5. I can do it
6. I am really clever
7. I am calm
8. I am brave
9. I am kind to everyone
10. I am loving.
11. I have faith in myself
12. I have lots of friends who love me
13. My dreams are coming true
14. I make great choices
15. I am protected
16. I am very lucky
17. Whatever I do I will do my best
18. I am responsible
19. I am unique
20. I have happy thoughts
You can start this straight away Mamas - It may seem like just a little thing, but research shows can result is a deep sense of confidence and a healthy self-esteem.
Try writing your own set of beliefs to see if the positivity can help you in your own day to day life.
