Ho’oponopono for Kids: A Simple Hawaiian Prayer to Let Go of Worries and Feel Happy
- Bobbi Chegwyn
- Mar 14
- 4 min read
Did you know there’s a Hawaiian prayer that can help you let go of worries, bad feelings, and even old family troubles? It’s called Ho’oponopono, and it’s like a magic reset button for kids!
I know Ho’oponopono is a big word, but it simply means making things right again. This simple four-step prayer can help you feel happier, calmer, and more loving by clearing away sadness, anger, or fears, whether they come from today, yesterday, or even a long time ago.
How Ho’oponopono for kids Works
Sometimes, we feel sad, angry, or upset, and we don’t even know why. Have you ever felt frustrated over something small, like your shoelace getting stuck, but deep down, you knew it wasn’t really about the shoelace? That’s because feelings don’t always start with what’s happening right now, they can come from things that happened before, or even feelings passed down from family.
But here’s the good news: You don’t have to hold onto those heavy feelings!
The Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono teaches you how to clear out bad feelings, fix mistakes, and bring more love into your heart. It’s simple, and you only need four short phrases.
The Four Magic Phrases of Ho’oponopono
Whenever you feel upset, stressed, or stuck, just take a deep breath and say these words:
I’m sorry.
(This means you recognize the feeling inside you, even if you don’t know why it’s there. You’re not saying you did something wrong, just that you’re ready to let go of any sadness, anger, or stress. You don’t have to say this explanation out loud.)
Please forgive me.
(This means you’re asking for healing, not just from others but from yourself, too. It’s like saying, ‘I want to feel better and be free from this feeling.’ You don’t have to say this explanation out loud.)
Thank you.
(This means you are grateful that you can release the feeling and grow from it. Gratitude helps you move forward with love and peace. You don’t have to say this explanation out loud.)
I love you.
(This means you are filling yourself with kindness and sending love to the world. Love is the most powerful way to bring healing. You don’t have to say this explanation out loud.)
You don’t have to say these words to someone else. You can say them in your mind, like whispering a secret to yourself.
Why Ho’oponopono for Kids is Like Magic
Imagine you’ve made a little boat out of newspaper and placed it in a stream. At first, it floats along nicely, but then it bumps into a few sticks and starts to sink. Those sticks are like the heavy thoughts and feelings we carry. Ho’oponopono helps move those sticks out of the way so your boat can keep floating downstream, light and free.
Here’s how this little prayer helps:
It clears out bad feelings, like the water carrying away anything blocking your boat.
It helps you forgive yourself and others, so you don’t have to carry anger or sadness.
It makes your heart feel lighter, like when a deep breath makes everything feel a little better.
It spreads love, not just to you, but to your family, friends, and even people you don’t know yet!
How I’ve Used Ho’oponopono Myself
I use Ho’oponopono when I go to bed at night or when I wake up in the middle of the night with a lot of thoughts running through my mind. Sometimes, when I’m lying there, I start thinking about things that worry me, or I remember something that made me feel bad. But when I say these four phrases to myself, I start to feel calmer, lighter, and more peaceful, and before I know it, I’m asleep again!
One night, I was thinking about a person I cared about who was having a hard time.
We hadn’t been getting along very well, and talking to them had felt a little tense, like we weren’t really understanding each other anymore. So, I used Ho’oponopono, focusing on sending kindness, love and healing to our friendship. The very next day, we spoke again, and everything felt easy, like the struggle had disappeared! It was as if Ho’oponopono had washed away the tension, making space for kindness to flow back in.
Use Ho’oponopono Every Day
You can use Ho’oponopono anytime, anywhere. Here are some simple ways to try it:
Before bed: If you had a tough day, close your eyes and say the four phrases before you sleep.
When you feel nervous: If you’re worried about a test or a big event, whisper the words to yourself to feel calm.
If someone is upset with you: Instead of feeling bad, say the prayer to bring peace.
When you make a mistake: Everyone makes mistakes! Ho’oponopono helps you forgive yourself and learn from them.
The Power of Love and Forgiveness
Ho’oponopono reminds us that love is stronger than fear, and kindness can heal even the biggest hurts. It’s not about fixing other people, it’s about making your heart a place of peace, no matter what’s happening around you.
So, next time you feel sad, worried, or upset, try saying these four little sentences. They may be simple, but they hold a powerful secret to happiness and healing.
Love, Bobbi x
Ho’oponopono is a powerful Hawaiian practice of healing and forgiveness. If you’d like to dive deeper into its origins and how it works, this guide on the Ho’oponopono technique is a great place to start!
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