The Science Backed Benefits of Kid's Affirmation Cards: How Positive Affirmations Build Resilient and Confident Children

It was 7:30 AM and Melina, a 6-year-old with her pigtails and sleepy eyes, sat at the kitchen table munching on her cereal. Her mom, Tamara, knelt beside her and handed her a small a colourful affirmation card . “What does it say today?” she asked gently.

Melina squinted at the affirmation and smiled. “I am healthy and Happy” She whispered it once. Then again louder, until she was doing a full blown superhero pose while saying the affirmation!

By the time she zipped up her backpack and headed out the door, Melina wasn’t just repeating words. She was carrying a shield : one that science says can actually change the way kids think, feel, and show up in the world, a shield that we like to call: Mindly Affirmations for Kid’s

Like many kids, Melina had moments of self-doubt, like feeling too shy to raise her hand, or nervous before a school presentation. However, the daily practice of repeating affirmations helped her shift her inner dialogue by empowering her to create her own hopeful narratives. Melina is not alone, these sentiments are common among children who are learning to navigate the new world around them. Through the help of these affirmations, we can collectively empower the young minds of tomorrow to be confident, resilient and take on the world with a smile!

Research shows that positive affirmations help children internalize empowering beliefs and increase confidence in children. One study from Psychological Science found that kids who practiced positive affirmations were more resilient and confident, especially when facing challenges. Over time, those “I am” statements become truths that shape their self-image, and who they are. 

Science Says: Affirmations support the development of a growth mindset, the belief that intelligence and ability can be developed. That’s a key ingredient in long-term success. (Cohen & Sherman, 2014).

One afternoon, after a tough day at school, Melina came home to do some art, but halfway through she felt as though her artwork wasn’t good enough, she threw her pens in anger and stormed away. Curious about what came up we talked about her art, imagination and we pulled a card that said “I have an amazing imagination!” She started laughing while embracing her art , knowing that her imagination and art is a unique expression of herself. In that moment, Melina didn’t just calm down, she learned a tool she could return to any time that is always available to her.

Stress and anxiety aren’t just adult problems. Children face academic pressures, social challenges, and emotional rollercoasters. Studies have found that self-affirmations reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and help regulate emotions.

Science Says: Repeating affirmations activates the brain’s reward centeres and soothes the nervous system—supporting children’s ability to self-regulate. (Creswell & Welch, 2014)

When Melina started struggling with math, she felt defeated. But each day before homework, her mom encouraged her to say: “I can find solutions to my problems” , this not only applies to her subtraction questions , but also to life in general: knowing there is always a solution that can be found. 

After a few weeks, something shifted, not just in her grades, but in her attitude. She approached problems with curiosity instead of fear and returned to her mantra as a grounding point. 

Research from the Journal of Experimental Psychology shows that self-affirmations improve cognitive performance, especially in high-pressure environments. Children who believe in their capacity to learn are more likely to persist and succeed. 

Science Says: Positive affirmations reinforce the brain’s ability to engage in difficult tasks with focus and confidence. (Sherman & Cohen, 2006)

Kid's Affirmations also help children identify and express their feelings but a tool that is crucial for emotional intelligence. When Melina had a hard time expressing anger or sadness, her affirmation card said: “I am aware of my emotions” along with mood faces she can pick out to express how she’s feeling. She paired this card with “I am safe and at peace” knowing to trust herself, and the feelings that come up. 

This became her permission slip to feel without shame, a permission to feel, and to affirm herself that it is safe to feel these feelings that come up in her body. 

Neuroscientific research supports this: positive self-talk increases activity in areas of the brain responsible for self-reflection and empathy. Over time, children become better at understanding themselves and relating to others. They are able to tune into to their emotions & their personal needs.

Science Says: Affirmations support emotional regulation and help build stronger connections in the brain for empathy and self-awareness. (Falk et al, 2015) 

One day at the park, Melina saw a younger child crying after a fall. She walked over, crouched beside her, asked how she was doing, “You’re brave.You have such a strong body!” 

That morning, her affirmation card had read: “I am caring and kind” 

Practicing affirmations like this daily doesn’t just shape how children see themselves; it shapes how they show up in the world. Studies show that when children reflect on kindness, they’re more likely to act with empathy.

Science Says: Affirmations tied to values like kindness and compassion create real behavioural changes in social situations. (Layous & Lyubomirsky, 2014)

My daughter Melina’s story isn’t unique, it’s just one of many. Every child has the potential to bloom into a confident, emotionally intelligent, kind-hearted human. Sometimes, all it takes is a few powerful words, spoken each morning and night with love and intention to set ourselves up for success. It's a small thing that can make a BIG impact. 

Affirmation cards may seem small, but they’re rooted in big science, and even bigger possibility. We love how they've impacted our family, and other's daily routines.. 

So whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, remember: every time a child says, “I am enough” “I have an amazing imagination” they’re building a foundation for a healthier, happier future. That’s why we created a deck of curated cards and fun images to be a part of your kid’s daily routines, to help boost their confidence and ground them amidst our very busy lives.

Layous, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014). The How, Why, What, When, and Who of Happiness: Mechanisms Underlying the Success of Positive Activity Interventions. In A. C. Parks & S. Schueller (Eds.), The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Positive Psychological Interventions (pp. 21–40).