Researchers are finding that positive self-talk is key to establishing resilience, confidence, and efficacy in both children and adults. Often, preschoolers are frustrated by their inability to complete a task perfectly or reach a goal they’re set for themselves. When this happens, you might hear them express their frustration with themselves by saying, “I can’t do it” or “I’m not good at that!” This kind of verbal expression reveals what Stanford researcher Carol Dweck calls a “fixed mindset.” It’s a common reaction and takes a bit of practice to change.
1. Help Your Child Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Dweck defines a fixed mindset as a belief that skills are innate and cannot be improved upon. In contrast, what Dweck refers to as a “growth mindset” describes someone who believes that skills can be learned and improved through practice, grit, and determination. Grit is essential for achievement. In Dweck’s research, students with a high level of grit were able to increase their academic achievement. A positive self-image is integral to cultivating a growth mindset. If you or your child struggle with positivity, repeating positive affirmations can help train the brain to reframe challenging situations as conquerable. If you’re not sure how to integrate positive affirmations into your child’s daily routine, check out the following ideas.
2. Try Rhyme
Early Childhood Educators use rhyming to teach many different concepts to preschoolers. To practice positive self-talk, make up a few rhymes that kids can recite when they’re feeling discouraged. You might try, “I can do it, I can achieve! If I keep trying, I’m likely to succeed!”
3. Sing a Happy Tune
There’s a reason Mr. Rogers’ famous song, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” is a hit with kids. Greeting the day with a positive song can help your child feel more confident and grounded, even when they encounter challenges. We’ve collected a few songs to help your kids have a positive spin on the day. Play them as you’re getting dressed, in the car on the way to preschool, or any time you or your child needs a positivity boost! Try Get Back Up Again, How Far I’ll Go, Go The Distance, Everyone Makes Mistakes, or Everything is Awesome.
4. Choose a Positive Mantra
Some marathon runners make it past the notoriously difficult 18th mile by reciting a mantra. Having an encouraging statement to repeat can calm your child and help them through challenging moments. A mantra should be short, simple, inspiring, and easy to recall. Ask your child to choose one that feels right to them. Try out “I can do it” for a child who’s building confidence. “I feel calm and relaxed” or “I am safe and secure” is perfect for a child working on bravery. In the classroom, try, “My brain was made to learn” or “Mistakes help me learn!”
5. A Saying a Day Keeps Frustration Away
Just like brushing their teeth, positive affirmations can be woven into your child’s daily routine to serve a protective role for their mental health and self-image. You can even do affirmations with your child before or after brushing their teeth. You and your child can repeat a positive affirmation or mantra every morning and every evening to strengthen your child’s self-image.
The Gardner School Affirms and Supports Child Development
Helping your child develop a positive attitude can be just as important as encouraging their literacy and numerical skills. At The Gardner School, we have a whole-person approach to preschool learning. Our skilled teachers help your child develop socially, emotionally, academically, and interpersonally. To learn why parents choose The Gardner School for their children to grow and learn, contact us to learn more or to schedule a virtual tour.