Life is tough, and it doesn’t take much sometimes to make you feel moody. But positivity isn’t something that only parents (and any adult, really) might be lacking. Kids can struggle with maintaining an optimistic attitude, too. When your child might need some inspiration, these positive quotes for kids might be the motivation they need to find happiness, follow their dreams, and to never, ever give up.
“Everything you can imagine is real.” —Pablo Picasso
Let’s say that your child has an entrepreneurial idea that isn’t a lemonade stand. They can take a page (or a painting) from Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, who knew that if they can envision it, you can accomplish it.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” —Theodore Roosevelt
It’s hard for a kid to feel brave sometimes, especially when they haven’t seen a peer pull off what they want to do. The 26th President of the United States understood that once you believe in yourself, you’re closer to your goal than you could imagine.
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney
Courage isn’t something that we’re born with; it’s a skill that we hone throughout our lives. Your Disney-loving kid just might take inspiration from Walt Disney (yes, that Walt Disney), who knew that dreams are just one step away from reality.
“You are enough just as you are.” –Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle isn’t just the wife of Prince Harry; she’s an inspirational speaker as well. And this quote lets kids know that they are unique (and enough) just as they are, right now in this very moment.
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” –Maya Angelou
Author and civil rights activist Maya Angelou’s message with this inspirational quote is simple: by tapping into our inner empathy, we can make a difference in someone’s life and bring light where there might be darkness.
“No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” –Aesop
Making a difference, according to Greek storyteller Aesop, of Aesop’s Fables fame, is never in vain. It can be as easy as your child inviting the new kid to sit with them at the lunch table or sharing their toys with their baby brother. All of those mini moments matter—in a big way.
“How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.” –Morgan Freeman
Doing good can feel daunting. Where do you start? What do you do? Morgan Freeman, an iconic Academy Award-winning actor, knows. When you’re looking for positive quotes for kids, use this quote to explain how being benevolent could have a far-reaching ripple effect.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James
We are so used to seeing results that it can be disappointing when they aren’t obvious. But understanding that innately knowing that you’re making a difference encourages even more kindness, William James, a Harvard professor and psychologist believed.
“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair
Yes, it’s comfy in the comfort zone. But no one ever became great by staying small. When your child chooses to face their fears (which is something that even adults struggle with), there’s literally nothing they can’t accomplish.
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
Sure, cliches can be corny, but there’s oftentimes truth in them. And the adage that patience is a virtue is applicable to this quote from Confucius. Practice being patient, and no matter how long the journey is, your child will know that they will get there.
“There is no substitute for hard work.” – Thomas A. Edison
Social media tricks people into thinking that success is overnight—but it doesn’t. Hard work is what’s going to get your child one step closer to their goals.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
You can’t get more inspirational than Nelson Mandela. For the times when the dream doesn’t seem doable, take a page from Nelson Mandela. It’s not supposed to feel within reach; it’s the striving (and hard work) that will get the job done.
“A setback is a setup for a comeback.” – T.D. Jakes
As much as we might want to protect our kids from failure, it’s going to happen. And that’s a good thing. When your child stumbles, have them look towards the finish line, because it’s closer than they might think.
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
So often, we have an idea that we know in our hearts can be life changing. So why do we stall and stop before we even start? No one is great when they begin, but they become masters the moment they decide to build momentum.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
As far as positive quotes for kids go, Wayne Gretzy knows how to get to a goal (ha). The former Canadian professional ice hockey player took a sports metaphor and made it relatable for both kids and adults alike.