Games for Teaching Affirmation to Teens

You have learned to use affirmations to reach the goals you have set for yourself 3. They have been effective in keeping you focused and on task. Now you would like to teach your teen the power of these spoken or written words in accomplishing the objectives they have set for themselves. Convey to your teen that "we become and attract what we think about most of the time," as stated by Jerry Bruckner, author of the self-help book "The Success Formula."

What are Affirmations?

Affirmations are repeated phrases that focus on what the individual wants out of life. They are in first person, positive and usually very brief and to the point. Examples of affirmations which may assist a teen struggling with self-image or self-esteem issues could include "I am a beautiful girl" or "I am a special and unique person." Repeating these phrases over and over will imbed these beliefs in the subconscious of the teen and help her create a reality in her own mind. When she begins to act and look the part, it will also create a reality in the minds of her peers.

Song Lyric Contest

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Affirmations can be effective when put to music. Challenge young people to put them to tunes they love and have a contest to see who can come up with the best song. Teens can use existing or popular music to which they can sing their affirmations if they are not musically inclined. For example, the affirmation "I am fine, I am strong" could be sung to the tune of "Jingle Bells."

What a Web We Weave

Engage in an eye-opening group affirmation activity for 15 to 60 teens which will assist in making individuals feel that they are not alone in their desires for a better self. All that is required is a large ball of yarn and scissors. The group assembles itself into a circle. The first individual states a positive affirmation such as "I am friendly and outgoing" and tosses the ball of yarn to someone across from him, keeping a grasp on the end of the yarn. The next person relays an affirmation about himself such as "I am fit and healthy" and tosses the yarn back across the circle and so forth until a giant web forms. When all individuals have shared their affirmations, the scissors can be passed around and a piece of yarn given to each individual. Tape a small copy of each affirmation to the yarn segments as a reminder of the goals everyone is working toward.

Picture Affirmations

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Have an art competition by asking each teen to write and illustrate his affirmation on poster board. For example, if a teen is very shy, he may write "I have many close friends" and than draw or paste pictures of himself with several companions gathering around him or playing with him. Encourage the teens to get as specific as they possibly can with their affirmations and choose illustrations that they can view often throughout their day. Pictures and words together can assist in creating concrete goals for a teen to work toward.