Words have power. Words, can on one hand, be the difference between healing, soaring to new heights, and positive self-esteem. On the other hand, words can hurt, deflate, and hinder. According to the experts, daily positive affirmations are the key to helping to improve your child’s mental health and assure that this small gesture will have lasting affects for generations to come.

First, just what are “positive affirmations?”

According to positivepsychlogy.com, positive affirmations are positively loaded phrases, or statements that are used to challenge unhelpful or negative thoughts.

“Kids are like sponges, and you never know which phrase they’ll latch on to and remember for years after you say it, becoming something they repeat to themselves to help get them through tough times — or maybe becoming something they pass on to friends, wanting to spread the joy, Robyn Landa wrote in an article for Popsugar.com. “Our words, actions, and attitude have ripple effects, which is a lesson worth demonstrating to our children.”

Not sure how to get started with saying positive affirmations to your child? Well, Landa and the experts have put together a pretty good list to help you get started. Remember, saying daily affirmations to your child and with your child will not only bolster their self-confidence, but it will put a smile on their face and let them know that you are in their corner.

And of course, there are a few on this list that you have probably seen and already are saying!

• I am smart.
• I am kind.
• I am considerate.
• I am compassionate.
• I am mindful.
• I am strong and healthy.
• I am worthy of love.
• I am me, and there is no one better to be.
• I am enough.
• My challenges help me grow.
• I can do tough things.
• Every day is a fresh start.
• I matter.
• I deserve to be happy.

• Today I am a leader.
• Everything will be okay.
• I accept who I am.
• Good things are coming to me.
• Today is going to be an awesome day.
• Every day I feel more comfortable in my skin.
• I have courage and confidence.
• I can get through anything.
• It’s okay not to know everything.
• I can do better next time.
• My mistakes help me grow.
• I have everything I need right now.
• I am safe.
• I can do this.
• I am beautiful inside and out.
• I love myself.

Remember, these simple words can be a big help to get any child through a bad day. Want to add more positive affirmations to add to your arsenal? Click here.