Empowering Your Child: The Importance of “I Am” Statements and Emotional Check-Ins

Do you know how your child currently views themselves? As a parent, understanding your child’s self-perception is crucial for fostering their confidence, resilience, and overall mental well-being. At Master Kim's Martial Arts, we believe that shaping a positive self-view is one of the most important roles a parent can play. Two key practices—integrating “I am” statements and conducting regular emotional check-ins—can make a profound difference in your child’s life.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why these practices are so powerful, how they can be implemented at home, and the lasting impact they can have on your child’s development.

The Power of “I Am” Statements

“I am” statements are simple yet powerful affirmations that help children internalize positive beliefs about themselves. These statements serve as a foundation for a strong and empowering self-concept, which is essential for your child’s growth and success.

Understanding the Science Behind “I Am” Statements

To truly grasp the importance of “I am” statements, it helps to understand the science behind them. Our brains are wired to create and reinforce neural pathways based on our thoughts and experiences. This concept, known as neuroplasticity, means that the more we think a certain thought, the stronger the associated neural pathway becomes. Over time, these pathways become automatic, influencing how we think, feel, and behave.

For children, who are in the midst of rapid brain development, this process is even more impactful. When a child consistently uses positive “I am” statements, such as “I am capable,” “I am resilient,” or “I am kind,” they are reinforcing neural pathways that support a positive self-concept. These pathways become ingrained, helping the child to internalize these beliefs and carry them into adulthood.

The Psychological Impact of Identity

A child’s identity is shaped by many factors, including their environment, experiences, and the messages they receive from others. Positive identity formation is crucial because it influences how a child views themselves and their place in the world. A strong, positive identity can:

• Boost Self-Esteem: Children who believe in their own abilities are more likely to take on challenges and persevere in the face of difficulties.
• Enhance Resilience: A positive self-concept provides a strong foundation that helps children bounce back from setbacks and failures.
• Promote Healthy Relationships: Children who have a strong sense of self are better equipped to form healthy, supportive relationships with others.
• Encourage a Growth Mindset: When children believe they are capable and resilient, they are more likely to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities to learn and grow.

Practical Examples of “I Am” Statements

To help you get started, here are some practical examples of “I am” statements that you can introduce to your child:

• “I am capable of handling anything that comes my way.”
• “I am a kind and compassionate person.”
• “I am brave and face challenges with courage.”
• “I am a good friend who cares about others.”
• “I am creative and have great ideas.”
• “I am strong, both physically and mentally.”
• “I am focused and determined to achieve my goals.”
• “I am worthy of love and respect.”

You can encourage your child to come up with their own “I am” statements based on what resonates with them personally. The more connected they feel to the statement, the more powerful it will be.

The Role of Emotional Check-Ins

In addition to “I am” statements, emotional check-ins are a vital part of helping your child stay connected with their feelings. At Master Kim's Martial Arts, we prioritize these check-ins as a way to help students recognize and manage their emotions effectively.

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Developing emotional intelligence is crucial for children because it lays the foundation for:

• Healthy Relationships: Children with high emotional intelligence are better able to form strong, supportive relationships with their peers, teachers, and family members.
• Effective Communication: Emotional intelligence helps children express their feelings in a healthy way, which is key to resolving conflicts and building trust.
• Self-Regulation: Children who can manage their emotions are better equipped to cope with stress, frustration, and other challenges that life may throw their way.
• Empathy: Understanding and empathizing with others’ emotions fosters kindness, compassion, and social responsibility.

How Emotional Check-Ins Support Emotional Intelligence

Regular emotional check-ins give your child the opportunity to explore and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. This practice encourages them to become more aware of their feelings and to develop the skills needed to manage them effectively.

How to Conduct Emotional Check-Ins:

• Create a Routine: Choose a regular time each day to check in with your child about how they’re feeling. This could be during breakfast, after school, or before bedtime.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking yes/no questions, ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to elaborate on their feelings. For example, “How did you feel about what happened at school today?” or “What emotions did you experience during your martial arts class?”
• Listen Without Judgment: When your child shares their feelings, listen without interrupting or offering solutions right away. This helps them feel heard and valued.
• Validate Their Emotions: Let your child know that it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling, whether it’s happiness, sadness, anger, or frustration. Validating their emotions helps them understand that all feelings are normal and acceptable.
• Encourage Reflection: After your child has expressed their emotions, encourage them to reflect on why they felt that way and what they can do to manage those feelings in the future.

Implementing “I Am” Statements and Emotional Check-Ins at Home

Now that you understand the importance of “I am” statements and emotional check-ins, let’s explore how you can integrate these practices into your daily routine at home.

1. Morning Affirmations: Start the Day with Positivity

Begin each day with a positive affirmation routine. This could involve standing in front of a mirror with your child and reciting “I am” statements together. Starting the day with positivity sets the tone for how your child will approach the challenges and opportunities they encounter.

Example Morning Routine:

• Step 1: Stand in front of the mirror with your child.
• Step 2: Take a deep breath together.
• Step 3: Recite three “I am” statements, such as “I am strong,” “I am capable,” and “I am ready for today.”
• Step 4: Smile and encourage your child to carry those positive feelings with them throughout the day.

2. Bedtime Reflections: Ending the Day on a Positive Note

Incorporate “I am” statements and emotional check-ins into your bedtime routine. This is a great way to reflect on the day, acknowledge your child’s emotions, and reinforce positive self-identity before they go to sleep.

Example Bedtime Routine:

• Step 1: Ask your child how they felt during the day and what emotions they experienced.
• Step 2: Validate their feelings and discuss any challenges they faced.
• Step 3: Encourage your child to choose a positive “I am” statement that they want to focus on for the next day.
• Step 4: End the conversation with a calming affirmation, such as “I am peaceful and ready for a good night’s sleep.”

3. Daily Journaling: Encouraging Self-Expression

Encourage your child to keep a daily journal where they can write down their “I am” statements and reflect on their emotions. Journaling is a powerful tool for self-expression and can help your child process their thoughts and feelings in a constructive way.

Tips for Journaling:

• Provide a Special Journal: Give your child a special journal that they can decorate and make their own. This will make the practice more engaging and personal.
• Set a Regular Time: Choose a regular time for journaling, such as right after school or before bed. Consistency helps build the habit.
• Include Prompts: Offer prompts to help your child get started, such as “Today, I felt proud of myself because…” or “One thing I learned about myself today is…”

4. Modeling Positive Behavior: Lead by Example

Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. By modeling positive “I am” statements and practicing emotional check-ins yourself, you show your child the importance of these practices and how they can be applied in daily life.

Ways to Model Positive Behavior:

• Use “I Am” Statements: Incorporate “I am” statements into your own language, especially when facing challenges. For example, if you’re feeling stressed, you might say, “I am strong and I can handle this.”
• Share Your Feelings: Be open about your own emotions and how you manage them. This can be as simple as saying, “I’m feeling a little overwhelmed right now, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths to calm down.”
• Demonstrate Reflection: After a challenging situation, share with your child how you reflected on your emotions and what you learned from the experience.