65 Inspiring Quotes And Words Of Encouragement For Kids

Shift their mindset.

family and word bubble with 65 Inspiring Quotes And Words Of Encouragement For Kids khrystyna boiko via shutterstock / Sparklestroke and sketchify via Canva
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The words you choose matter a lot in parenting. Your kids are impressionable, and language (words) embodies thought, which is why choosing the right words of encouragement matters.

As a parent, you want your kids to be the best they can be, to feel good about themselves, to live fulfilling lives, and, ultimately, be happy children that become happy adults.

And since your children are looking to you for words of encouragement and to be a role model, giving them positive affirmations and inspirational quotes to draw from when they're in uncertain situations can be incredibly empowering.

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When they hear your words, their minds open to new possibilities. This starts when your kids are very young and continues until their brains are fully developed at about age 25. So, when you want to be a good parent and give your kids the best possible chance of growing into happy, healthy adults, fostering a growth mindset is key.

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Laying a foundation before your child reaches his or her teenage years is especially important because that’s when they’re exploring who they are, building their self-esteem, and facing numerous obstacles. What you say to them can make the difference between them getting discouraged and feeling empowered to overcome challenges.

One way to inspire your kids and build their resilience at the same time is to share thought-provoking stories, sayings of hope, or inspirational quotes. They’ll feel good about themselves, realize they aren’t alone, and be open to the rich possibilities life has to offer.

And the good news is there are a ton of inspirational quotes and encouraging words for kids you can use to better your parenting skills and help your kids develop a positive mindset and respect to draw from, no matter the circumstance.

Positive words of encouragement for kids

1. I know you can do it.

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2. You are creative.

3. You are capable.

4. You are deserving.

5. You can say no.

6. You are kind.

7. You make a difference.

8. You can change your mind.

9. Your ideas matter.

10. What do you think?

11. Your ideas are interesting.

12. Thank you for your help.

13. I'm listening.

14. I'm proud of you.

15. You inspire me.

16. You're a good brother / sister.

17. I love you.

18. Thank you.

RELATED: 10 Best Parenting Tips For Raising Intelligent, Curious Kids

Encouraging phrases for kids to feel loved

19. You are loved.

20. You make me smile.

21. My world is better with you in it.

22. You are a good friend.

23. I believe in you.

24. You are valuable.

25. I enjoy your company.

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26. I'm glad you're here.

27. I'm grateful to have you in my life.

words of encouragement for kidsPhoto: Sparklestroke and sketchify via Canva

RELATED: The 39 Best Ways To Make Kids Feel Loved, According To 39 Parenting Experts

Words of encouragement for kids who had a bad day

28. You are strong.

29. You are more than what's happening to you right now.

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30. You are more than your emotions.

31. It's OK to be imperfect, so am I.

32. You can learn from your mistakes.

33. You can ask for help.

34. Growing is hard work.

35. This is just one day of your whole life.

36. We'll get through this together.

37. I will help you.

38. I'm on your side.

49. I admire your determination.

40. You are not alone.

RELATED: 11 Ways To Help Kids Persevere When They're Ready To Give Up

Motivating and encouraging quotes for kids

41. “Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine." — Roy T. Bennett

roy t. bennett words of encouragement for kids

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42. “Never give up, for that is the place and time that the tide will turn.” — Harriet Beecher Stowe

Harriet Beecher Stowe words of encouragement for kids

43. “If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” — Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl words of encouragement for kids

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44. “You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have.” — Jim Rohn

Jim Rohn words of encouragement for kids

45. “Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.” — Albert Einstein

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46. “Winning doesn’t mean being first. Winning means you’re doing better than you’ve done before.” — Bonnie Blair

47. “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney

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48. “No one is perfect … that’s why pencils have erasers.” — Wolfgang Riebe

Wolfgang Riebe words of encouragement for kids

49. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi words of encouragement for kids

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50. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu words of encouragement for kids

51. “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it — then I can achieve it.” — Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali words of encouragement for kids

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52. “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it ‘the present.’” — Alice Morse Earle

Alice Morse Earle words of encouragement for kids

53. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go…” — Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss words of encouragement for kids

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54. “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” — Helen Keller

Helen Keller words of encouragement for kids

55. “Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.” — Bethany Hamilton

Bethany Hamilton words of encouragement for kids

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56. “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky words of ecouragement for kids

57. “Not until we are lost … do we begin to find ourselves…” — Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau words of encouragement for kids

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58. “The only journey is the one within.” — Rainer Maria Rilke

Rainer Maria Rilke words of encouragement for kids

59. “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” — Mary Anne Radmacher

Mary Anne Radmacher words of encouragement for kids

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60. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt words of encouragement for kids

61. “Argue for your limitations and sure enough they’re yours.” — Richard Bach

Richard Bach words of encouragement for kids

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62. “Only the truth of who you are, if realized, will set you free.” — Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle words of encouragement for kids

63. “The most important things in life cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” ​— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry words of encouragement for kids

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64. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined…” — Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau words of encouragement for kids

65. “People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross words of encouragement for kids

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Share inspiring messages like these with your children. Notice how hearing them shifts the way they think about their circumstances, boosts their confidence, and encourages them to believe in themselves and their futures.

Keep these inspirational quotes handy, and inspire yourself, too.

RELATED: 10 Tips For Raising Perfect, Unspoiled, Angel Kids

Lisa Petsinis is a certified life coach who works with dedicated moms that want to give their best to their families and create a life they’ll love. Visit her website or contact her for a free empowerment call, and jumpstart the changes you want in your life, beginning today.