Teaching Kids to be Kind to Themselves
Many parents are surprised to hear how harshly children sometimes talk to themselves.
A child who makes a mistake may say:
“I’m so bad at this.”
“I can’t do anything right.”
“I’m not smart.”
These thoughts often form early, especially when children begin comparing themselves to peers at school or during activities. Learning to treat themselves with kindness is an important emotional skill — and it’s something children must be taught. Psychologists call this self-compassion.
Self-compassion means responding to mistakes or setbacks with understanding instead of harsh criticism. Adults often struggle with this skill, but childhood is the perfect time to begin developing it. Parents can help by modeling healthy self-talk.
For example, if you make a mistake, try saying:
“I messed up, but mistakes help me learn.”
Children watch how adults handle frustration. When they see parents responding calmly to challenges, they learn to approach their own difficulties with the same mindset.
Another helpful strategy is reframing mistakes as opportunities for growth.
Instead of saying: “You should have done better.”
Try saying: “What do you think we can learn from this?”
This simple shift helps children see mistakes as part of the learning process.
Affirmations can also support self-kindness. When children regularly repeat phrases like:
I am learning every day
I can try again
I am proud of my effort
they build a healthier relationship with challenges.
Over time, this creates a powerful foundation for resilience. Children who learn to be kind to themselves are more likely to keep trying, even when things are difficult.
And that perseverance becomes one of the most valuable skills they carry into adulthood.
Meet the BR Buddies
Every BR Buddy plush is designed to help children grow confident, kind, and emotionally strong.
Each character represents a positive affirmation kids can carry with them through play, bedtime, and everyday adventures.
Explore the BR Buddies collection and find the buddy that fits your child’s personality.
