18 positive affirmations for tweens—because middle school is hard

With so much negativity in the world, tweens need positive affirmations more than ever.

Middle school is a tough time. It’s when kids are coming into their own — learning independence, figuring out who they are, and navigating a whole lot of change. One thing that can really help them center themselves is positive affirmations. 

Research shows that positive affirmations are more than just talking ourselves up — in one study, participants who affirmed their own core values before doing a hard task had significantly lower cortisol responses to stress than participants who didn’t do any affirmations.

Knowing that positive affirmations can help tweens reduce stress and boost their confidence, here are 18 affirmations you can do with your kids.

1. I believe that I can do hard things.
2. I believe that I can learn and grow stronger from my mistakes.
3. I am curious about how other people feel and think.
4. I cannot always control what happens around me, but I can choose how I respond.
5. When I get upset, I can come back to a place of calmness.
6. I want to try new things and hard things, even if I sometimes feel a little scared.
7. I know that I am strong.
8. I can think of ways to solve problems.
9. I care about how other people feel.
10. I like to help people and be kind.
11. I care about others, and others care about me.
12. I have an open mind and a strong imagination.
13. I am a good friend.
14. Even when school is hard, I can ask for help and learn new subjects.
15. I am brave and can stand up for others when they need it.
16. I know to do the right thing, even when it’s hard.
17. I have lots of time to make big life choices, and for right now, I can just enjoy being a kid.