‘Building confident minds is the science and heart behind Dear Me® affirmation cards’

Nigeria is the most populous black country in the world. It is also where many children grapple with emotional pressure, low self-esteem, and feelings of invisibility owing to so many factors. A simple but powerful tool is however, offering hope. In this interview with Lydia Enyidiya Eke, award-winning child advocate and physician Nimi Ekere, explores the inspiration, science, and national impact behind the ‘Dear Me®: Speak Life. Believe It. Become It’ affirmation cards. Excerpts:

These days when many Nigerian children struggle with low self-esteem and emotional pressure, what inspired you to create the Dear Me® Affirmation Cards?

My work with children consistently revealed deep patterns of self-doubt, emotional withdrawal, and low confidence. I saw a need for something practical, something parents and teachers could use daily. That was how the idea of a research-backed, therapeutic tool that strengthens a child’s sense of self was born.

Research shows that over 60 percent of children feel emotionally unsupported. Why is this statistic so alarming?

It tells us that many children feel unseen, even in spaces meant to be safe, like their homes and schools. This emotional gap however affects their mental health, academic confidence, social behaviour, and increases vulnerability to peer pressure and abuse. Emotional neglect can be as damaging as physical neglect.

Affirmation cards already exist. What makes Dear Me® different and unique?

Dear Me® is not just motivational, it is therapeutic and structured. Each card is intentionally crafted to shape mindset and emotional resilience, not merely to make a child feel good for a moment.

The cards follow a 30-day structure. How does this help children emotionally?

Repetition builds belief. Over 30 days, children internalize positive self-talk. These repeated affirmations gradually become habits of thought, helping to build emotional strength, confidence, and healthier behavioural patterns.

Inclusivity appears to be central to this project. Why was it essential to design the cards for both neurodivergent and neurotypical children?

This is because inclusivity is non-negotiable for me. Many special-needs children are unintentionally excluded from tools that benefit neurotypical children, which leaves them even more vulnerable. Every child deserves emotional empowerment. The affirmation cards were developed to support the emotional and behavioural needs of children and adolescents across different learning and developmental profiles.

What role does the accompanying Guidebook play?

The Guidebook ensures that parents, teachers, and caregivers are active participants in the child’s growth. It helps them track progress, guide reflection, and support children in turning spoken affirmations into lived confidence.

Some parents question the science behind affirmations. What evidence supports their effectiveness?

There is strong evidence. Research shows that affirmations reduce stress, improve motivation, boost self-esteem, and build resilience, especially when practiced consistently and in a supportive environment.

Have you observed tangible changes in children who use the Dear Me® cards?

Absolutely. Children become more expressive, emotionally grounded, and confident. They are more willing to face challenges and articulate their feelings instead of withdrawing.

How can parents introduce affirmation practices at home without pressure?

Keep it simple. Let the child read each affirmation aloud, reflect briefly, and repeat it daily. It should feel safe, routine, and encouraging, not forced.

And how can schools integrate Dear Me® into their routines?

Schools can incorporate the cards into morning assemblies, classroom reflections, or emotional-learning moments. It helps create a positive school culture and emotionally safe learning environment.

Why is emotional empowerment essential and very urgent for children today?

Children today face unprecedented pressure, social comparison, negativity, and uncertainty. When a child truly believes, “I am enough,” their emotional foundation becomes much harder to shake.

Finally, what impact do you hope Dear Me® will have across Nigeria?

My hope is that it becomes a national tool for raising emotionally strong, confident children, and future adults who understand their worth, value empathy, and are equipped to thrive.