As educators and caregivers, we spend so much time caring for children and families, that we often feel there is no time to care for ourselves. It is good to remember that taking time to practice love and compassion for ourselves makes it possible for us to support others.
One way to practice self-compassion is to build mini-rituals and affirmations into our existing routines. Positive, reassuring self-affirmations can be done almost anytime–while stretching, taking a deep breath, getting ready for work, or doing simple household tasks.
Below is a list of positive affirmations for educators, along with ideas for including them into your daily routine.
From Teach for America:
I am a competent and capable teacher.
I treat myself and my students with kindness and respect.
I am making a difference in my students’ lives.
The work I do matters.
I am thankful to have a challenging and fulfilling job.
I motivate and empower my students.
I believe in myself and my abilities.
I am peaceful and calm, and greet the day with ease.
From Healthy Happy Teacher:
My classroom is a positive space.
I am calm and in control at all times.
I look for the good in the most challenging child.
I am willing and able to do my best in the classroom.
I believe in myself.
I know I can handle this.
I pause and reflect before I react.
I know I am not alone.
I know that there is always tomorrow.
The caring I show today can change a life.
I believe in the importance of education.
I create safe spaces that enable students to thrive.
My work has meaning and purpose.
Today I’ll make one child feel good about themselves.
Students can be themselves with me.
What I do today can impact a child for years to come.
Anytime is a good time to practice self-love with a quick positive affirmation. You can say these affirmations in your head or out loud. You can even say them with the children in your care and have them practice loving themselves, as well! Here are some ideas for how to fit these affirmations into your daily routine:
While washing your hands. Take a few seconds to enjoy the warm water, the smell of the soap, and the peace of a moment to yourself; then, look into the mirror (if there is one above you) and say a positive affirmation to yourself. You can also practice this routine when you wash your face, take a shower, or any other time that you have a few moments to yourself.
While sitting with children during naptime. While naptime can be challenging for some educators, it can also be a time to enjoy a few quiet seconds to yourself to enjoy the peaceful music and the stillness of the classroom. As you sit with the children, close your eyes for a moment and say a quick positive affirmation in your mind.
With the help of sticky notes. An easy way to remind yourself (and your co-workers) to practice self-compassion is by writing a positive affirmation on a sticky note and leaving it at eye level on a place that you visit regularly, such as the refrigerator or a mirror. These notes can be a helpful reminder for you, and a nice message for other teachers and caregivers to find.
With children. If you are interested in including the children in this practice, you can have them repeat after you as you say a positive affirmation during morning meeting or another time that you meet as a group. Here are examples you might like to try:
Today is going to be a great day.
I have courage and confidence.
I am loved.
I am strong.
I am powerful.
I can make a difference.
Encourage children to stand up and use strong voices as they repeat these affirmations. You can also find a free printable with positive affirmations for children at this link.
