Affirmation Cards to Help Bring More Calm and Positivity to Your Bedtime Routine
Nighttime can be tricky for both parents and kids. Sleep problems are one of the most common concerns reported to pediatricians, but one of the best solutions is a consistent bedtime routine. I learned this very early on with my oldest son. As an infant and toddler, he required much more sleep than his friends and without that sleep, he became a completely different child. He taught me early on that sleep was king. When we had a regular schedule and routine around sleep, our house functioned much smoother and more predictable. If we veered too much away from that routine, things changed very quickly.
There are so many great ideas to help your children prepare for bedtime. Repeating the same steps night after night helps their mind and body consciously and unconsciously prepare to slow down and shift the energy. In addition, the predictable nighttime schedule helps children feel secure and safe.
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As part of this routine, many parents will include activities like, reading a story, rocking their children, praying or quietly singing to help shift the energy to a calmer, more centered place. Some families have found it beneficial to incorporate affirmation cards during this time to help children reflect on their uniqueness, strengths or maybe some of the people and things they are grateful to have in their life. This is exactly what I had in mind when I created this set of affirmation cards. We know that something as simple as a gratitude practice can have a huge effect on our well-being. Incorporating something like this gives our children another tool in their toolbox to help them to become more resilient human beings.
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I purposely made these so that children can add color if they like to bring their creativity and ownership to the cards and the sayings. Your little one can add their special touch through scribbling or carefully coloring in the lines whatever brings them joy! This gives your child an opportunity to make these cards their very own.
I have included some suggestions for how you can incorporate these into your routine but use them in whatever way best fits your family. I have found that real life specific examples will resonate most deeply. If you are helping your child recall an example of “how they were strong” for instance, you could bring up a specific time they conquered a fear or maybe where they leaned on hope when it didn’t seem like something would work out.
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A special note, some ideas or affirmations on the cards might need some additional time to think over before there is an answer or insight. That is totally normal. These cards are just a starting point for reflection and meaningful conversation. If the cards spark a meaningful conversation and connection not related to the topic that is wonderful too!
Ultimately you and your child should incorporate these in whatever way is best for you and most beneficial for them.
Creating a consistent bedtime routine isn’t always easy—but it is worth it! And incorporating some reminders of our child’s beautiful uniqueness and expressing gratitude for what we have been given can help your little one feel more grounded and connected to themselves, their family and their world.
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Printing Suggestions for these Free Nighttime Affirmation Cards for Kids
1. At home if you have a printer
2. At your local print shop or photo center
3. Using an online print service such as Staples, Office Depot, Walmart, Target, Costco, Shutterfly, etc.
If you like to color with crayons or colored pencils, then standard printing paper should work just fine. If you like to use markers or paints to add color, I suggest printing on high-quality card stock like this one.
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Please read before downloading these Nighttime Affirmation Cards
There are very few things that give me more joy than making art and sharing it with others. Creating resources that might help usher in a little stress relief or cultivate a creative moment is at the heart of my mission and passion. Because of this, I strive to offer a good amount of my designs and resources for free.
These printables are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. I ask that you not redistribute. Feel free to use these at home, in your classroom or therapy office. However, you may not sell, redistribute or claim these designs as your own. If you would like to use these for a wider audience, I do license these and other works commercially, and I would love to hear from you. Please reach out to me HERE to discuss your project.
If you would like to share my Nighttime Affirmation Cards with your own audience, please do! I only ask that you give credit to A Peace Of Werk and link back to this post.