Growing an “I Am” Tree with Positive Self-Talk

The most important relationship we’ll ever have is the one with ourselves. How we speak to ourselves—our inner voice—shapes how we see the world, how we respond to challenges, and how we treat others. Words are powerful; they can either lift us up or weigh us down. That’s why teaching children the practice of positive self-talk is a gift that nurtures resilience, confidence, and hope.

When children learn to speak kindly to themselves, they begin to believe in their strengths, embrace who they are, and feel more capable of navigating life’s ups and downs. Positive self-talk isn’t about ignoring hard feelings or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about reminding ourselves that we are loved, capable, and enough—even in difficult moments.

Project: The “I Am” Tree

To help children visualize the beauty of speaking life-giving words to themselves, try creating an “I Am” Tree together.

How it works:

Draw or paint a tree trunk on a large piece of paper, poster board, or canvas.

Cut out or draw leaves separately—these will hold the child’s positive affirmations.

On each leaf, invite children to finish the sentence “I am…” with a positive attribute.

Examples:

• I am kind.

• I am creative.

• I am brave.

• I am a good friend.

• I am loved.

As the tree fills with leaves, children will see how their affirmations create a strong, vibrant tree—a reflection of their own inner strength and beauty.

This project not only sparks creativity but also builds a tangible reminder of the importance of speaking kindly to ourselves. Children can revisit their “I Am” Tree whenever they need encouragement, adding new leaves as they grow and discover more about who they are.

Why It Matters

Every “I am” statement becomes a seed planted in a child’s heart. Over time, those seeds grow into beliefs—and those beliefs guide actions, choices, and self-worth. When we equip children with tools to practice positive self-talk, we teach them that their voice matters and that the words they speak to themselves hold great power.

As parents, caregivers, and educators, we can model this by practicing it ourselves. Imagine the impact when a child hears both their inner voice and the voices around them saying: You are loved. You are capable. You are wonderfully made.

A Moment of Devotion

The Bible reminds us of the power of words:

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

— Proverbs 18:21

If words can carry life or death, then choosing life-giving words—especially in how we speak to ourselves—is essential. God calls us to see ourselves as His beloved children, created in His image, worthy of love and kindness.

“Dear Lord,

Thank You for the gift of words and for the power they hold. Help us to guide our children to speak life over themselves and others. May their hearts be rooted in Your truth—that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Teach us to model kindness in our own self-talk, so our children see the beauty of loving themselves the way You love us. Bless every child’s “I Am Tree,” that it may grow strong and full, just as their confidence in You grows each day.

Amen.”