How to Teach Your Child to Be Their Own Cheerleader

The Power of Positive Self-Talk

Let’s be real—our kids are growing up in a world that throws a lot at them. From tests in school toplayground drama to comparing themselves on social media, it’s easy for kids to start thinking

they’re “not good enough,” “not smart enough,” or that they’ll “never get it right.”

Let’s be honest, haven’t we all been there too?

That’s why teaching our kids positive self-talk is one of the most powerful tools we can give them. It’slike handing them their own personal cheerleader—a voice inside that says, “You’ve got this!” evenwhen things feel tough.

I’m sure you’ve heard the term Positive Self-Talk before. So, what Is Positive Self-Talk?

Positive self-talk is what your child says to themselves inside their head. It's that little voice that either lifts them up—or knocks them down. And while we can't always control the challenges they face, we can help them shape the way they respond to those challenges.

For example:

Instead of “I can’t do this,” they learn to say, “I’ll give it a try.”

Instead of “I always mess up,” they think, “I’m learning and growing.”

Instead of “Nobody likes me,” they believe, “I’m kind, and I will find real friends.”

Those small shifts? They add up. And over time, they shape how your child sees themselves and what they believe they’re capable of.

Why It Matters

Kids who learn to use positive self-talk build stronger self-esteem. They bounce back faster when things don’t go their way. They take more healthy risks. And they’re less likely to get stuck in negative thinking.

In short—they grow into confident, resilient kids who believe in themselves.

How You Can Help

Here are a few simple ways to start teaching your child to be their own cheerleader:

1. Catch Negative Self-Talk in the Moment

When your child says something like, “I will never be good at this,” gently pause and ask,

“What would you say to your best friend if they felt that way?”

This helps them notice the difference between how they talk to others—and how they treat

themselves.

2. Model It Yourself

Kids watch everything adults do. If you hiss your teeth and say, “Ugh, I’m so bad at this!” they hear it.

Try swapping that for, “This is tricky, but I’m learning.”

The more they hear you talk kindly to yourself, the more they will do the same.

3. Create a Power Phrase Together

Come up with a short, go-to cheer they can say when they’re struggling.

Something like:

“I can do hard things.”

“Mistakes help me to learn and grow.”

“I believe in myself.”

Write it on a sticky note, post it on their mirror, or make it into a fun drawing activity.

4. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results

When they try something new, praise their effort, not just the outcome.

Say something like, “You really stuck with it even when it got hard” teaches them that trying

matters—and that their inner voice should notice the effort, too.

5. Practice Makes Progress

Positive self-talk isn’t a one-and-done skill. It takes practice, patience, and reminders. But over time, it becomes second nature. Just like learning to tie their shoes or ride a bike.

Final Thoughts

Teaching your child to be their own cheerleader doesn’t mean they will never feel doubt. It means when those moments come, they will have the tools to lift themselves back up.

That little voice inside? It’s powerful. And with your help, it can become their biggest source of

strength.

Let’s raise kids who don’t just hope they can—they know they can.

Until next time, keep leading with love and letting your kids shine!