Have you heard of Chinese whispers? If you know the game, it is about sitting in a circle. One person begins by whispering a word/sentence to one person, then repeats what they hear to the next one until it reaches the last person, who finally screams the entire sentence aloud. The results are always hilarious since the sentence differs from how it began. 

Similarly, you can create the “Positive whisper” game at home with children. The only difference is that they must read it verbatim and repeat it to themselves/someone. Ask children to write one line/short statement that tells what they want to do on paper. Create multiple chits and fold them into a box. For instance, you can make seven chits for seven days. Each morning, ask the child to mindlessly take one of the chits out and whisper it at least 7-8 times to themselves or the mirror. They can even whisper to you if they wish to. You can change the chits every week and create more affirmations. At the end of the month, you will have made a big jar or bottle of whispers. It can even be played with their friends.

In this world of negativity and negative news, we adults forget that we have little beings looking up to us for positive words of hope and affirmation. Each day, as they wake up, it is either to commands or demands by adults. Have we ever thought about raising emotionally healthy children? Are we raising a generation that will constantly doubt themselves? Are we bringing up children who will always depend on others or us adults for validation? So why not begin positive whispers to spread happiness around you and raise confident, bold children?

How many of you whisper sweet nothings to your better halves? Have you done the same to your children? I agree that we all are caught up in the daily rut and grinding routines of “school-office-home.” Amidst all this, don’t we crave that pat on our back or a tight hug when we start our day or come home tired at the end? If adults want it, even children do. They also feel good, just like us. So why not play positive whispers daily with them?

So, what exactly are positive whispers? Whispering magical words that reflect confidence, hope, and self-love. All these rolled into one mean affirmation or positive statement. 

• You are unique and special just the way you are.
• Believe in yourself because you have incredible potential.
• Your imagination knows no bounds. Let it soar and create wonders.
• Every day is a chance for new adventures and discoveries.
• Kindness is a superpower. Spread it wherever you go.
• Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. Embrace them with courage.
• Your dreams are like stars—reach for them and make them shine.
• You have a heart full of love that can improve the world.
• Be proud of your accomplishments, big and small. You are doing amazing things.
• Remember to take care of yourself—body, mind, and spirit. You deserve it.

The above are a few examples of positive whispers you can do.

The benefits of why positive tales are good!

1. Boosts self-esteem

A child’s confidence levels are boosted if you tell them you are proud of them no matter what they do. This is why positive statements must be repeated like chants for them. It helps build positive body images and self-beliefs in them.

2. Foster’s sense of belonging

Positive whispers can create a supportive and nurturing environment for children. When they hear positive statements from their caregivers or peers, they feel valued and accepted, contributing to their overall sense of belonging and emotional well-being.

3. Encourages resilience

Positive words improve the ability to bounce back from setbacks or adverse situations. When faced with obstacles or failures, hearing affirmations can remind them that they have the strength and perseverance to overcome difficulties and keep going.

4. Promotes growth

They emphasize values like kindness, empathy, and compassion. By regularly hearing affirmations promoting these qualities, children will internalize and exhibit them in their interactions.

5. Motivation and Goal setting

These words are magical. They can help set goals too. If your child knows he can do something he wants, they can help him draw a vision or map out goals too. Don’t mistake goals only being career goals. These can be small milestones such as completing learning spellings, formulas, or multiplication tables, helping with chores at home, learning to fold one’s clothes, organizing their own toy and clothes cupboard beginning projects with friends in their community.

6. Empathy and sensitivity toward others

If they learn to love and be kind to themselves, they will start being kind and sensitive to others. There are some affirmations and positive words that help daily. Please help your child write them and read them out aloud as well. Role modeling helps a lot too. You could dedicate some time to write each affirmation daily and read them aloud to your child. You can do it as a joint exercise daily.

Apart from our children, our inner child also deserves positive whispers. So why not begin this with ourselves and help our kids too?

Positive whispers can be initiated in schools, too – preschools till they pass out. 

Let’s empower our children with these spells. We will surely see a magical generation of resilient, self-confident, independent children who will love themselves more!

Leaving you with my favourite magical chants: “You are brave, strong, and capable of overcoming any challenge.””You are unique, and that’s what makes you extraordinary.”

——