Every morning, before I even get out of bed, I do two things: I say three things I’m grateful for, and I speak a few affirmations out loud.
It’s become a habit I lean into, especially on the tougher days—the days when sleep was short, my to-do list feels long, and parenting feels more like surviving than thriving. But this simple routine grounds me. It reminds me of what really matters. And it’s something I now try to pass on to my daughter, in her own sweet and slightly chaotic toddler way.
Why I Start with Gratitude and Affirmations
As a parent who’s walked through the NICU, birth trauma, and the added complexities of neurodiversity, I know just how crucial it is to take care of my mental health. Gratitude helps me re-centre and focus on what’s going right, even if it’s something small—a warm cuppa, a deep breath, or a moment of stillness.
Affirmations help me rewrite the story I sometimes tell myself. Growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, suspected ADHD, and autism, I often felt like I wasn’t good enough or clever enough. But I’ve learned to speak to myself with kindness. Now I say things like:
• “I am enough just as I am.”
• “I’m allowed to go slow.”
• “I can do hard things.”
This shift in how I speak to myself has been life-changing. And I want that same emotional strength for my daughter too.
The Power of Modelling Emotional Wellbeing
One of the most beautiful parts of parenting is seeing the impact of the tiny seeds we plant. Just the other day, during a walk, my daughter stopped dead in her tracks, walked over to a big tree, and gave it a hug.
She didn’t say anything—she just looked up, smiled, and wrapped her arms around the trunk. I laughed out loud, but honestly, I was deeply moved.
It made me realise that she’s starting to notice the good in the world around her. Whether she knew it or not, in that moment, she was practising mindfulness. She was present, connected, and showing affection to something that made her feel safe or happy. What a beautiful reminder of what really matters.
Teaching Gratitude to Our Children
Gratitude and affirmations aren’t just trendy habits for adults—they’re tools our children can learn too. Especially in families like ours, where neurodiversity is part of the picture, emotional regulation and positive self-talk are foundational.
Here are a few gentle ways to bring it into your day:
• Gratitude chats at breakfast or bedtime: Ask your child what their favourite part of the day was.
• Create a ‘thankful jar’: Let your child draw or scribble what they’re thankful for and pop it in the jar.
• Mirror affirmations: Say things like “I am kind,” or “I am brave” together while looking in the mirror.
• Celebrate nature moments: Like hugging a tree! Point out flowers, the breeze, the sunshine—anything that sparks a little wonder.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real.
For Parents Who Are Also Neurodivergent
If, like me, you’re neurodivergent, these routines might take time to embed—but that’s okay. The magic is in the trying. Whether you journal, speak aloud, use voice notes, or just think about it while brushing your teeth, your way is the right way.
Even if your morning is hectic and nothing goes to plan, taking just ten seconds to say, “Today I will be gentle with myself,” is enough.
Let’s keep showing our children that their thoughts matter. That their feelings are valid. That being kind to yourself is just as important as being kind to others.
If a tiny toddler can hug a tree just because it feels good—imagine what we could all do with a little more gratitude and joy in our daily lives.
What about you?
Do you practise gratitude or affirmations with your children—or with yourself? I’d love to hear how it’s helped or how you’ve made it your own.
If you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to the blog. Let’s grow a community where positive parenting and emotional wellbeing are part of everyday life.
Together, we grow.
References:
• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389.
• Seligman, M. E. P. (2006). Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life.
• Positive Psychology Center, University of Pennsylvania. https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu
• NHS Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). How to support children’s mental health. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
What do you wish you could do more every day?
The bad and your parenting journey 