I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids
What’s inside...
What kids tell themselves matters! It becomes their inner voice. It can help them connect with their power within. Mindful affirmations can help children tune out the streams of messages they get about how they should be in the world so they can listen to their own inner voice. Children can learn to tap into their inner strength and find the encouragement they need. I Can Do Hard Things reflects the beautiful diversity and connection in our world. A wonderful addition to your home or school library.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is one hard thing you did today and how did it make you feel?
Can you think of a time when you used positive words to help yourself or a friend feel better?
Which affirmation from the book is your favorite and why?
How does saying kind things to yourself change how you feel about a tough situation?
What are some ways you can help your friends remember they can do hard things too?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own example of a time when positive affirmations helped you overcome a challenge. This will make the concept more relatable and encourage openness.
After reading the book, help your child identify and write down their own personal affirmations. Place these affirmations in places they can regularly see, like their bedroom wall or school notebook.
Use praise effectively and acknowledge your child’s efforts in facing challenges, no matter the outcome. This reinforces the book’s message about the importance of trying and believing in oneself.
Set aside quiet time to discuss the book’s themes, helping create a calm environment for reflection and deeper understanding.
Encourage your child to recite their favorite affirmations from the book during family sharing times. This can help instill confidence and normalize expressing vulnerabilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Building Resilience
Explanation: The book uses simple affirmations to teach children that they can handle challenges and difficult emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can use these affirmations to cope with everyday struggles such as managing schoolwork or navigating friendships.
Example Lesson: Self-empowerment
Explanation: Through repeated self-affirmative statements, the book encourages children to believe in their own strength and capability.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson to boost their confidence when trying new activities or facing personal fears.
Example Lesson: Mindfulness
Explanation: Gabi Garcia introduces young readers to mindfulness, helping them to stay present and calm.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay focused and calm in situations such as during tests at school or in unsettling scenarios.
Example Lesson: Emotional Intelligence
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of acknowledging and managing one's emotions.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand their feelings better, leading to improved interactions and relationships with others.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: Affirmations encourage children to voice their thoughts and feelings confidently.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial in helping kids articulate their needs and opinions clearly in everyday interactions.