When Sarah Nordin, a resident of West Fargo, North Dakota, received a video showing her five-year-old son, Cohen, reciting daily affirmations with his nanny, Eva Abfalter, it deeply moved her. Nordin had been unaware that this routine had been taking place between Abfalter and Cohen for almost a year, right up until Cohen began attending school.
The heartwarming ritual originated from Abfalter, a student studying speech and language pathology at Minnesota State University Moorhead, who drew inspiration from a TikTok video. Witnessing Cohen, who has Down syndrome, bravely reciting these affirmations despite the speech difficulties associated with his condition, was a truly inspiring and emotional experience.
Abfalter reminisces, “When he first started, his affirmations were barely understandable.” However, today, Cohen proudly declares phrases such as “I am smart, I am handsome, I am going to have a good day, I am important” with minimal prompting. Abfalter beams with pride, stating, “Now he can say them all by himself. Sometimes I just help him with the first sound, but that’s it.”
These simple yet empowering words have helped Cohen develop a new, positive self-perception. Abfalter believes that they can truly transform the way a child sees themselves, and she hopes that Cohen can draw strength and confidence from these affirmations, especially during challenging times.
Observing Cohen carry this tool of affirmation with him to school every day brings immense satisfaction to his dedicated nanny. Abfalter expresses her pride in Cohen’s progress in speech but humbly attributes the achievement to Cohen and his family’s daily efforts. She modestly adds, “I would love to take credit, but it’s his hard work and his family’s dedication. He’s the most determined child I know.”
Cohen reciprocates the affection for his encouraging nanny, and Nordin shares, “Eva believes in him just as much as we do.”
