Transcript
0:00 Have you ever noticed how your child is calmer just just instance before falling asleep or how peaceful they are when they just wake up dirt? Children are constantly forming beliefs about themselves and the world. They're constantly wondering, "Am I capable? Am I worthy? Am I loved?" One mom in our school group shared how morning affirmations transformed her son's anxiety about school as well. She started whispering, "You're brave. You're prepared. you know where to ask for help. You can handle tough situations and over time the resistance really had decreased because the mind started taking in all that new information and building new neural pathways. Hey there beautiful souls.
0:41 Welcome back to my channel. I'm Ankita and I'm so grateful that you're here today. I blend Montisuri, neuroscience, music and positive parenting to help you follow the lead of your amazing child from day one to forever. Today we're diving into something that has absolutely transformed my relationship with my child and her relationship with herself. The power of affirmations. But not just any affirmations. We are talking specifically about affirmations during what neuroscience calls the theta state. Those precious moments right before we sleep and just after waking up. Yes. Have you ever noticed how your child is calmer just just instance before falling asleep or how peaceful they are when they just wake up? These moments are perfect for positive words because their mind is more open during these times. Throughout the day, our brains operate at different frequencies.
1:44 When we're alert and focused, we are in beta state. But when we are relaxed but aware, that's alpha state. But theta state is special. It only happens right before we fall asleep and right after we wake up. Children actually spend more time in theta than adults do. So what makes theta so powerful? During this state, the critical part of our brain steps back and our subconscious becomes more accessible. It's like the door to our subconscious opens wide allowing new information to enter without being filtered. Children are constantly forming beliefs about themselves and the world. They're constantly wondering, "Am I capable? Am I worthy? Am I loved?"
2:29 These core beliefs become the foundation for how they'll approach life. The challenging truth is that negative programming happens very easily. A frustrated you never listen can plant seeds that grow into limited beliefs in your child. Even well-meaning parents can sometimes say things we wish we could take back. Intentional affirmations can give us a chance to really counterbalance all that negative messaging and deliberately plant the seeds we want to sew. They can help wire our child's brain for positivity and self-confidence. Bedtime is perfect for affirmations because not only is your child in that receptive theta state, but sleep itself helps consolidate what they hear after your regular bedtime routine.
3:20 Maybe after stories, but before that final good night, take a moment for affirmations. Keep your voice soft and soothing. Some bedtime powerful affirmations could be you are so loved just exactly as you are. Your body is getting stronger and healthier while you sleep. You are safe. You are loved. You are protected through the night. And then something about tomorrow like it's a day of full like tomorrow is a day of possibilities. Your mind is creative.
3:51 And it's okay to say mistakes. That's how we learn and grow. You bring joy to so many people just by being you. For my child who didn't want to go to school, I added school is a place where you learn fun things and play with friends. After just a few weeks, the morning battles decreased and she started talking more about school in a funloving manner. Morning theta state is another golden opportunity. In those first moments after waking up, before the busyiness of the day sort of takes over, your child's mind is exceptionally open to new information. Morning affirmations can be as simple as greeting your child with my brave, kind, beautiful, creative, amazing child. The first words they hear can set the tone for their entire day.
4:40 Some effective morning affirmations are, "Today is going to be a wonderful day. You have everything you need within you." You know, something so powerful and I believe in you and all that you can do. I love your smile. It brightens my day. It brightens everyone's day. You're going to notice so many beautiful things today with your curious mind and eyes. Your body is strong. It can do amazing things. You can handle whatever comes your way today. One mom in our school group shared how morning affirmations transformed her son's anxiety about school as well. She started whispering, "You're brave.
5:19 You're prepared. You know when to ask for help. You can handle tough situations." And over time, the resistance really had decreased because the mind started taking in all that new information and building new neural pathways. Every child is different. Customize your affirmations to your child's specific need. If you have a child who's struggling with anxiety, focus on safety and courage. You know how to calm your body when big feelings come. You can manage your emotions. For another child, you could say you're a good friend. You know, for a friend who's dealing with, let's say, perfectionism, you can always say, "Mistakes are good. They help my brain grow." You'll know an affirmation is working when you start hearing your child repeat it to themselves or others.
6:05 My daughter once calmed herself during a challenging puzzle by by kind of muttering in her head, "My mind finds good solutions when I stay calm." And a bedtime affirmation we've been using for weeks is what she said at that time. Affirmations become even more powerful when you combine them with visualization or gentle touch. Try adding personal details. I love how you help your friend today. Affirms not just helpfulness, but that you see their specific actions. If your child seems resistant, you might be starting too late. Try speaking affirmations when they're already drowsy or just waking up. If you feel awkward, start with affirmations that feel completely true to you. Your child will sense your sincerity. If you're inconsistent, don't beat yourself up.
6:54 Even occasional affirmations have value. Even if you don't do it every day, it still works. Remember that affirmations work like water on a stone. It's the gentle, consistent repetition that eventually creates the transformation. Here, a six-year-old girl was struggling with nightmares, so her mom started using the information. Your mind creates peaceful dreams that help you rest. And within a couple of weeks, her nightmares had decreased and she had the tools she needed to calm herself. Another friend's daughter was really afraid to try new activities. She had huge fear of failure. So, the affirmation, "Today, I'll try something new and it's okay if it takes practice," really helped her develop the courage to join a football team. My own daughter struggled with perfectionism in her artwork and the affirmation that I gave her was I create for joy not for perfect results and now she enjoys the process rather than focusing on the outcome.
7:51 While theta state offers a special opportunity you can use affirmations throughout the day to sprinkle them throughout the day before challenging situations after disappointments. Very important to do this during transitions. The key is finding natural moments that don't feel forced. And I'd love for you to try Theta C affirmations with your child for just one week. Choose something that addresses your child's current needs. Commit to sharing them during bedtime or morning time. And please notice any shifts that may come in your child's language or confidence.
8:26 I promise you this will work. If you found value in today's video, please hit that button, subscribe to our channel. It helps other parents find this information, too. Check out my Instagram handle which is called Follow Your Child. And uh yeah, I think I'm really excited for you to try all these affirmations because the words we speak to our child become their inner voice by choosing positive affirmations during these special windows called theta state. You are really helping your children write their story. And that's the story they're going to tell themselves throughout their day. All the best for your affirmation journey. I will see you next week with another
Summary
- Children are in a receptive theta state before sleep and after waking, making it an ideal time for affirmations.
- Affirmations can help shape children's beliefs about themselves, addressing questions of capability, worthiness, and love.
- Consistent positive affirmations can counterbalance negative programming and build new neural pathways.
- Tailor affirmations to your child's specific needs, such as focusing on safety for anxious children or encouraging creativity for perfectionists.
- Morning affirmations can set a positive tone for the day, while bedtime affirmations can promote restful sleep and confidence.
- Combining affirmations with visualization or gentle touch enhances their effectiveness.
- Even occasional affirmations can be beneficial; consistency is key but perfection is not necessary.
- Parents are encouraged to try affirmations for a week and observe any changes in their child's confidence and language.