100 affirmations to support your child's mental health

No matter how old your child is, there will likely be times when he or she needs to hear positive reassurance and affirmation. Positive affirmations are statements such as praise, encouragement or compliments that can help boost your child’s self-esteem and teach them to think positively about themself and their abilities.

Affirmations can make a child feel good in the moment, but they can also have long-term effects on how a child thinks and feels about themself. When you repeat affirmations to your child, you are “training” their brain to engage in positive self-talk that can help combat negative thoughts. You are also helping your child build up self-confidence and resilience, which can impact their lifelong mental health.

In honor of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 2-8) and Oakland Family Services’ 100th anniversary, here are 100 affirmations to support the mental health of children and teens of all ages.