A research study conducted by Harvard University in 2012 found that if you stand in a superhero pose—you know the one—for five minutes before a difficult task or conversation, you’ll be more calm, confident, and perform better. Obviously, we can’t stand in a superhero pose for five minutes before every parenting decision, but there’s something powerful at play here we need to consider—and that’s how impactful positive thinking is to us and our parenting.

Our minds are way more powerful than we could ever understand, and the direction we point our thoughts directly determines the direction of our lives. When we choose to worry (and it is a choice, dear friend), we choose to live a life half-lived. 

So, what options do we have as parents to combat the worry outside of the superhero pose?

Here are six helpful affirmations to repeat daily:

1. My children don’t want perfect, they just want me.

2. I will fully embrace today, knowing that not everything will go exactly as planned. 

3. It’s okay—in fact, it’s necessary—to take care of me, too. 

4. It’s okay to ask for help.

5. I will do what I can do. I can’t do it all, and that’s okay.

6. I am the best parent for my children.

It’s your turn: Take a couple of minutes and write down a few affirmations of your own. Stand in a superhero pose, too, if needed. And remember: Control your thoughts—don’t let your thoughts control you.

Replace worry with prayer!

Parents may have plenty to lose sleep over, but instead of worrying, why not pray? We designed our Parent Prayer Cards to calm your heart and focus your mind on what matters most while spending time with God. Each card focuses on a different characteristic of God, with one card for each month of the year. There’s also a scripture reference on each card to guide you.