Moms, Say These 10 Words Over Your Daughter Every Morning

Moms, what's the first thing your daughter hears in the morning? 'Hurry up'? 'Where are your shoes'? What if it was 'You are brave, you are beautiful, and you belong'?

Hi, I'm Eleaya! I'm a young model and actress, and I can tell you that what I hear in the morning stays with me all day. On set, at auditions and at school. When my family speaks good words over me, I walk into every room standing taller. So this post is for the moms. Here are 10 affirmations you can give your daughter. Say them to her, say them with her, or let her say them back to you.

10 Morning Affirmations to Give Your Daughter

1. You are brave enough to try new things today.
2. Your smile lights up every room you walk into.
3. You belong in every space you enter.
4. Your hair, your skin and your story are beautiful just the way they are.
5. Mistakes mean you're learning, not failing.
6. Your voice matters, so use it with kindness.
7. You are smart, creative and full of good ideas.
8. Every 'no' brings you closer to your 'yes.'
9. You don't have to be perfect to be amazing.
10. I am proud of you, and I believe in you.

How to Make It a Morning Ritual

• Mirror moment: Stand behind her at the mirror and say one affirmation while she looks at herself.
• Sticky notes: Put a new one on her mirror, lunchbox or backpack each day.
• Car-ride repeat: You say it, she says it back. It takes less than a minute.
• Let her pick: Ask her which one she needs today. Her answer will tell you a lot.

Why It Matters (From a Kid Who Knows)

Modeling and acting can mean early call times, long waits and hearing 'no' a lot. What keeps me going isn't just practice. It's knowing my family believes in me. The words you give your daughter today become the words she tells herself tomorrow.

To the Directors Who Inspire Us

Directors like Ava DuVernay, Ryan Coogler, Steven Spielberg, Tyler Perry, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Barry Jenkins tell stories that show girls like me we can be anything. I'm practicing, I'm prepared, and I'd love to be on your set one day!

Your Turn, Mom!

Pick one affirmation and say it to your daughter tomorrow morning before she leaves the house. Then come back and tell me which one made her smile the biggest!