Children and teens face challenges just like adults. They may become critical of themselves when they struggle with schoolwork, get grades that are lower than expected, or compare themselves unfavourably to their peers.
We can support the youth by helping them practice self-compassion. This way, they can treat themselves with kindness and gain a more positive mindset amid challenges.
Understanding Self-Compassion
When kids are stuck in a spiral of negative thinking, they can become too harsh on themselves. They may falsely believe that they’re a failure or that they can’t do anything right. However, self-compassion can offer them a kinder and more balanced perspective by cultivating a positive inner dialogue.
What is Self-Compassion?
Most people understand self-compassion as treating oneself with kindness and acknowledging imperfections. According to Dr. Kristin Neff, who is well known for her self-compassion study, self-compassion is made up of three main components:
- Self-kindness refers to practicing gentleness and understanding towards oneself as you acknowledge your pain when you make mistakes, go through difficulties, or do not feel enough.
- Common humanity involves recognising that mistakes and challenges are part of being human. Every one of us is imperfect and we all go through difficulties.
- Mindfulness means looking at your painful thoughts and emotions with balanced awareness. It involves acknowledging them as they are, without exaggeration or suppression.
Self-compassion is acknowledging that you’re having a difficult time instead of ignoring it. You’re not alone in your suffering, because we all go through it. While we shouldn’t ignore our feelings, it’s also important to not identify ourselves with them.
Why Self-Compassion Matters in Young Minds
Young people often encounter challenges and make mistakes as part of the learning process. Self-compassion can help them overcome their negative thoughts and use it as a tool to cope with difficult feelings and face challenges.
The Role of Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are statements that kids can tell themselves to help overcome their negative thoughts. An affirmation can be as short as “I am confident,” or something more specific such as, “I belong in this world; there are people that care about me and my worth.”
By reciting positive affirmations, kids can practice self-compassion whenever their thoughts and emotions become overwhelming. These can challenge harsh beliefs about themselves and replace them with more constructive and affirming ones.
How to Implement Positive Affirmations
Children and teens can develop positive affirmations based on their unique needs and goals. To get started, help them identify an area of focus, such as self-esteem, personal goals, or relationships.
Be sure to remind them to use positive language in the present tense. For example, instead of “I will be worthy of love,” use “I am worthy of love.” When we frame affirmations in the present tense as if they are already true, it helps our mind accept them as the current reality.
Whether it’s body positivity, emotional wellness, personal growth, or self-compassion, positive affirmations can be about anything! If they’re having trouble making their own, there are tons of self-love affirmations examples that can inspire them.
It is helpful for children and teens to repeat positive affirmations regularly. When they recite these statements aloud, encourage them to focus on the meaning of the words to enhance their effectiveness.
Benefits of Positive Affirmations for Young Minds
Positive affirmations encourage young people to develop a more positive self-image and improve feelings of self-worth. This also teaches them to focus on gratitude and appreciation.
Moreover, positive affirmations teach kids to bounce back from setbacks. These statements can instill a sense of confidence in them, which reduces their fear of failure so they can approach new tasks and challenges.
Integrating Positive Affirmations Through Daily Practices
Kids and teens can integrate age-appropriate and fun positive affirmations into their daily lives. Here are some ideas to try:
- Start the day with morning affirmations.
- Create colourful affirmation cards with positive statements.
- Post sticky notes with positive affirmations on their notebooks, bathroom mirror, or a corkboard.
- Turn affirmations into catchy songs and rhymes.
- Start an affirmation journal where kids and teens can write positive statements about themselves.
- End the day with bedtime affirmations.
Overcoming Challenges and Resistance
Children and teens may initially resist believing positive affirmations, especially if they struggle with low self-esteem. It’s important to understand that building belief in affirmations may take time and patience.
Although positivity is the focus of these affirmations, it’s also important to help kids and teens address the underlying challenges they’re facing. This can mean seeing a qualified mental health professional to explore their problems. At the same time, they can integrate these affirmations into their routine to help them handle challenges with a positive mindset.
Help Young People Practice Self-Compassion Through Positive Affirmations
It might be difficult for you to see children and teens struggle to cope with negative emotions and challenges in their lives. Remember that your efforts in promoting self-compassion will help make a difference in how they’re able to manage stressful situations.
Are you a parent or guardian? Do you want them to build self confidence? Watersedge is now taking bookings for the new year. Contact Rachel on 0442177193 for a FREE 10-minute phone consultation on how we can best help you, or press book now and make an appointment.
Bio: Michael is a licensed clinical social worker with a private therapy practice in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He specializes in helping children and teens with mental health concerns. He is passionate about providing effective and compassionate care. He is an advocate for mental health awareness, and is the founder of Mental Health Center Kids, a website that provides resources and support for parents, teachers, and mental health professionals who care for children and teens.
