Every child is wonderfully unique, created by God with love and intention. For kids who experience and process the world differently, hearing affirmations rooted in God’s truth can be a powerful reminder of their worth and purpose.
As parents and caregivers, we have the opportunity every day to celebrate the beauty of their unique perspectives and the incredible way God works through them. We get to remind them that God’s goodness and love for us is constant, whether we’re experiencing great joy or in the midst of suffering and difficulty, and as we encourage our children, we get to be encouraged by this truth about ourselves, too.
As we disciple and come alongside our children, here are 8 truths that will help you share God’s love, hope, and strength with them:
God made my brain to work in amazing ways, and I am loved.
“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.”
God is with me wherever I go and however I feel.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
I am wonderfully made, just the way God wants me to be.
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
I am God’s masterpiece, created for a special purpose.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” —Ephesians 2:10
God’s peace is with me, calming my heart and mind.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:7
God knows my thoughts and loves me just as I am.
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” —Psalm 139:14
God’s strength helps me with every challenge I face.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:17
I am God’s child, with a mind that is precious to Him.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”
Sharing these affirmations with your child can be a meaningful way to remind them of the love God has for them. In my own family, we printed these out and laminated them. I read them to my children, and sometimes they repeat after me. We also try to incorporate reading them into our daily rhythms and routine, such as school time, bedtime prayers, and mealtimes.
Regardless of ability or capacity, every person in the world is deeply valued, fully loved, and made by God with great care and purpose. If these words feel inaccessible at this time, consider starting with something shorter like, “Jesus loves me. God is for me. I can do anything.” Remember, the Lord knows our hearts and our desires, whether or not we communicate in the way most people do.
If you’d like a printable version of these affirmations, you can download them for free here.
Sunita Theiss is an Indian American poet and writer in Georgia. Following her children’s diagnoses, she pursued and received autism and ADHD diagnoses herself. After more than a decade working in marketing and communications, Sunita has intentionally made a downshift in her career, which allows her the flexibility and freedom to be more hands-on with her family and homeschool her children. Her writing has been featured in Christianity Today, In Touch, Business Insider’s Parenting section, and more. You can read more of her work at sunitatheiss.com.
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