One of the hardest jobs we have as parents is teaching our children how to replace their negative thoughts and words with positive affirmations. Honestly, it’s difficult enough to encourage ourselves with positive affirmations most of the time. To teach a little one how to survive mentally in a tough world is a daunting task. However, most of us try. There are tons of books out there to help us become more positive and if we ourselves can become more positive, it’s easier to teach our children to be more positive. The fact is, most of what they learn about how to redirect their thoughts and words, they’ll learn from emulating us.
A woman named Alissa of New York City knew this and she made it one of her parenting priorities to make sure her little boy, Ayaan, knew how to direct his thoughts and words to a positive and helpful place when he needed to. Alissa is raising a Black son, and in the world we live in, it’s even more important that this young man knows how to keep himself motivated in the best and most loving way. Alissa said in her Instagram post that she taught Ayaan the positive affirmation you can hear in the video below when he was only two years old. In fact, she taught it to him on his second birthday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDWV_O3lmJv/
Her hope was that he would someday memorize the words, understand them, and use this affirmation whenever he needs it. She was absolutely delighted (and shocked) to hear him recite his affirmation. She said that out of nowhere, he just started repeating it and she had a chance to pull out her phone and start recording him. She said that he ended his affirmation with enthusiasm (as we all should!) once they made it to school. What is the little one’s mantra? “I am smart. I am blessed. I can do anything.” Yes, you can, little man! And don’t you forget it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B68g9M8gsfQ/
Alissa added that she is so proud of the little boy Ayaan is growing into. If his early start is any indication, this young man is going places. Watch this adorable video below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3E0hzyAMrf/?utm_source=ig_embed
