As a neurodiverse parent, getting my kid ready for school can feel like herding geese. Yes, there are only two of us. And yes, sometimes I’m the one being herded. However, there is so much executive functioning required to start the day that my brain is ready for a nap by 8:00 a.m.
We’ve learned the hard way the necessity of checklists throughout every stage of our clumsy ballet. Shoes? Check. Backpack? Check. That super important form I forgot to fill out? Wait for it…Check.
Most of our checklists involve physical needs being met, but my favorite? Positive affirmations. Check!
Why Positive Affirmations Matter for Kids (and Adults!)
Positive affirmations are simple, repeatable statements that help us be kind to ourselves and others. Whether it’s listening to the Charm Words podcast while packing lunch or having a “get dressed dance party” to Snoop Dogg’s The Affirmations Song, we’re sure to always include self-love in our morning routine because bringing empathy and compassion to school is just as important as backpacks and lunchboxes.
Speaking of backpacks…
What Are Backpack Tags?
I’m relatively new to the idea of backpack tags and the practice of blessing backpacks, but honestly? I think it’s brilliant. What a fabulous way to send everyone to school, work, wherever, with the love and care of their community AND a physical reminder to be kind to themselves and others.
We have so many backpack tags at Illustrated Ministry, I’m running out of bags to put them on. I can’t help it, I love them all! And so, because nobody asked for it, here is Allie’s unofficial list of favorite IM backpack tags (in no particular order).
Be Kind
Be Kind is our newest design. I love it because it reminds us to choose kindness and practice brave compassion, even when it’s hard. Bonus: it might also inspire others around you to do the same, because this world needs all the kindness we can muster.
Be Curious, Ask Questions
I love our Be Curious, Ask Questions backpack tag not only for the Matisse-inspired design (it’s so vibrant and colorful!), but also because it reminds us that life is way more fun with curiosity and wonder. Being a curious listener and a critical thinker are important skills for both school and life.
You Are Loved
This is a classic. I’ve had this one on my backpack for years. Inspired by Daniel Quasar’s Pride Flag redesign, our You Are Loved backpack tag serves as a reminder, wherever we go, that EVERYONE is included in God’s expansive love.
You Matter
I love our You Matter backpack tag! A simple (yet deeply profound) encouragement mixed with the slightest hint of a science pun? Yes please. This design playfully proclaims that you matter and you are also made of matter—so many layers of meaning.
Backpack Tags are Positive Affirmations
These backpack tags, along with the others we have in our store, are more than just colorful accessories—they’re wearable affirmations that quietly and constantly remind us: You are kind, you are loved, you matter.
Because that’s what this whole “raising kids” thing is about, right? Not just getting out the door with shoes on, but sending these kids into the world knowing they are brave, they are loved, and they are enough.
One Last Thing
The final item on our morning checklist is an affirmation taken from our free back-to-school liturgy (sorry, not sorry for the shameless plug). I hold my kid close and say, “You are curious and kind, gentle and strong, brave and loving.”
It’s a small ritual, but it plants big seeds. With these words echoing in our heads and hearts, we feel ready and confident to take on the day.
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