Valentine’s Day Confidence Countdown for Kids

Boost your child’s self-esteem and grow their heart with this Valentine’s Day confidence countdown for kids!

As a child, I wanted nothing more than to be reminded I was loved, and that has carried through to my parenting style.

For children, hearing words of affirmation is linked to greater emotional development, and it’s no wonder. What we hear in childhood — for better or worse — will carry us into adulthood.

A simple way to give your kids confidence is simply being vocal about what you love about them. So for each Valentine’s Day for the past few years, I have had the tradition of hanging little love note hearts on my children’s bedroom doors. One for each of the 14 days leading up to the big day.

I didn’t think much of it initially — it’s just a cutesy thing I saw on Pinterest to do to celebrate the holiday. But last year I noticed the kids didn’t want to take the notes down. They would walk by and stop and read them. They teased me for writing mushy things…but they always had a smile. When I caught them reading them, it was like witnessing their confidence build right before my eyes — something I am especially sensitive to after reading how a girl’s confidence plummets starting at age 8. It sealed the deal — this needs to be a tradition as long as my kids live under my roof 🙂

Noticing this made me realize the power in a parent’s words — especially when they are presented in an extra special way. When a child feels safe, secure, and loved, they truly have the ability to move mountains. At a time when our world is so noisy, it’s more important than ever for your children to seek refuge in your comforting words as they will soothe anxieties and fear.

Building Confidence Through Simple Phrases

This year I challenged myself to write down things that were extra meaningful beyond simply “you’re beautiful,” and also highlighted the special bonds I have with each child.

If you’d like to make your own Valentine’s Day confidence countdown, today am sharing some simple phrases to write if the written word isn’t your thing…We all have our gifts 😉

If you don’t have time to cut out hearts or purchase them, no sweat — sticky notes work great too! Remember, it’s the words that matter, not the craft!

40+ Ideas For A Valentine’s Day Confidence Countdown for Kids

• You are so brave.
• I love how cuddly you are when we read together.
• Thank you for always making me laugh.
• I love it when you open up and share your heart with me.
• You have the best laugh!
• You have a beautiful smile that lights up the room.
• I love listening to you read and hearing you sound out words
• Your heart for others inspires me.
• Your soul is beautiful.
• I love spending time with you.
• We are so blessed to call you our son/daughter.
• You are such a responsible kid! We appreciate you.
• Thank you for always being helpful with _____.
• It makes me proud to see what a good friend you are.
• I love our one-on-one time together.
• You spread joy wherever you go.
• Thank you for always having a good attitude when we go new places.
• You are a great listener.
• I love your heart for ________.
• I love how unique your soul is.
• Always stay true to yourself — you’re awesome!
• I love that you set goals and then achieve them.
• I can always count on you to help me out.
• Your imagination is great for writing amazing stories.
• It makes me proud to hear you set a good example for others at school.
• I love your confidence!
• You are a great example to your siblings {cousins, friends, etc.}.
• I adore your passion for learning.
• I love when you voice your opinion.
• You are so fast and strong.
• I love how respectful you are to yourself and others.
• Thank you for always encouraging those around you.
• You inspire me to have a positive outlook.
• I love your stories at dinnertime!
• Your drawings always make me smile.
• Thank you for always being so flexible when plans change.
• You are fun to be around.
• I appreciate the enthusiasm you bring every time we go places.
• I love seeing the joy that _____ brings you.
• It is a joy to watch you grow every day!
• I love that you never back down from a challenge.
• Thank you for always being a kind brother/sister.
• I love seeing how hard you work at ______ {math, spelling, reading}.

What other confidence-building things do you implement in your home? I’d love to hear!