A DIY positive affirmations jar for kids is the perfect gift to inspire and encourage your little ones!
I made this one for only $1, but I’ve even included an alternate option that you can use to make a jar that’s completely FREE!
I think it could make a perfect gift for birthdays, Christmas…even added into their Easter basket!
Or make creating the jar a fun project that you do together!
But before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about the what and the why!
What are positive affirmations?
Positive affirmations are words we speak or think to ourselves to encourage us, and help fight negative and self-sabotaging emotions and thought patterns.
They usually work best when repeated often!
So making them a daily habit in your life is important in order to get the full benefit!
Why are positive affirmations such a great idea for kids?
We all know that childhood is an important time to set the foundation for our children’s future…and part of that future includes the way they think about themselves and the way they view the challenges they’ll face in life.
Negative thinking patterns are common for many children, and often start early in life.
And they can carry those negative ways of thinking with them all the way into adulthood…
But science has proven that it is possible for us to create new neuropathways in our brain by being more intentional with our thoughts! That means that with repetition, positive affirmations can actually help us to rewire our brains to believe what we say to ourselves!
Crazy, right?!
This not only works for adults, but for kids as well!
Here are just a few of the ways that affirmations may help your child:
- reminds them to practice self-love
- teaches them to be more aware of negative patterns
- shows them that they are capable of overcoming fears
- helps them to learn that mistakes are okay
- builds up their self-confidence
- inspires them to be creative
- cultivates a growth mindset
- teaches them to better cope with strong emotions
- allows them to better handle stress
These are all incredibly important skills for us to have at any age!
And working to cultivate these skills early on can help build that strong foundation for a well balanced and happy life for them as adults!
So keep reading to find out exactly how to make and use this DIY positive affirmations jar for kids!
Supplies Needed:
- Jar (Dollar Tree)
- Printable affirmations and labels
- Modge podge
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
Note: The jar I used for the one I made is from Dollar Tree, I got mine back in the fall, but they have these same craft jars all year round, just with different labels to match the current holiday!
But you can also make this jar another way, that’s completely FREE!
Just upcycle a jar that you already have!
Pasta sauce, pickles, and even salsa all come in glass jars that could work well for this project!
Candle jars are another great option as well!
Just remove the label, and it’s ready to go!
You could even paint the lid as well if you want to!
Just keep in mind that if you’re making the jar for younger kids you may want to stick to a plastic jar instead.
But there are usually plenty of each to be found in your fridge or pantry, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Step One: Affirmations
The first step will be to download and print your affirmations and jar labels!
Just use the form below to sign up for my email newsletter.
Once you’ve confirmed your newsletter sign up they’ll be sent right to your inbox!
Download and print them out (use regular 8.5″ X 11″ size paper).
Then cut out the two jar labels and each of the affirmations.
You can take each of the affirmations and fold them in half like this:
Or you can even roll them up and tie them using twine or ribbon!
Step Two: Jar
Next you’ll want to remove any existing label on your jar.
Then take your paintrush and use it to apply a layer of modge podge on the back of the round label you printed out.
Press the label down firmly onto the center of the jar’s lid.
Now move onto the “daily affirmations” label and apply a layer to modge podge on this one as well.
Position the label evenly onto the front of the jar, and press down firmly for a few seconds.
Make sure you allow the labels to dry for awhile before handling!
Then drop all of your affirmations into the jar…
And you’re finished!
Doesn’t it look so cute?!
Plus it’s such a simple but important way to help build confidence and inner strength!
Using the jar
The idea behind the jar is for your child to take out one affirmation each day, and say or think it to themselves several times.
Focusing on a positive affirmation for several minutes a day can help your child to create a habit of thinking positively.
Depending on their age or if they’re new to using affirmations, you may want to start off by taking out and reading an affirmation to them every day.
This may be slightly uncomfortable to them at first.
So don’t be surprised if they laugh or get embarrassed!
But once they start to get more comfortable with the idea of affirmations they may want to continue doing it by themselves!
It may also be helpful for them to read an affirmation when they’re feeling upset or frustrated, as a way to ground themselves and feel able to better understand their emotions.
But the BEST way to use this jar, is however your kids want to!
Let them discover what works best for them, and be sure to encourage them along the way!
A great way to do that would be to use daily affirmations for yourself as well!
If you want to find out how you can make a daily affirmations jar for yourself, I have a tutorial for one that also includes free printable affirmations and jar labels! You can check it out here:
Dollar Store DIY – Daily Affirmations Jar (Plus FREE Printable Labels!)
And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to grab your free printable kids affirmations and jar labels using the form below!
I hope this DIY positive affirmations jar for kids encouraged you to be more intentional about positive thinking, both for yourself and your kids!
Do your kids use positive affirmations? What positive affirmations do you encourage them to use?
Be sure to share in the comments section below!
