Ah, parenthood. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, isn’t it?
One moment, you’re beaming with pride at your child’s achievements, and the next, you’re consoling them after a bad day.
But here’s the best thing: as parents, we have the power to lift our children’s spirits with positive words of encouragement.
You know, those little nuggets of wisdom that can brighten their day and make them feel like they can conquer the world.
Our kids face a myriad of challenges daily, and sometimes, all they need are some positive things to cling to when the going gets tough.
That’s where we come in, armed with a treasure trove of positive phrases that can turn their frown upside down.
In those moments, knowing the right thing to say can be the most important thing we do as parents.
So, how do we help our young children navigate life’s ups and downs?
By showering them with inspirational words that not only boost their confidence but also teach them valuable life lessons.
And while it might seem like a small thing, the kind of praise and encouragement we offer can make a world of difference in our kids’ lives.
In this article, you’ll find a whopping 77 encouraging words for kids, tailored to make them feel loved, supported, and ready to take on the world.
And because we all need a little extra inspiration sometimes, we’ve also included some timeless quotes from famous figures.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, these uplifting messages are a great way to sprinkle some positivity into your child’s day.
The Benefits Of Using Encouraging Words For Kids
Aside from the ‘feel good’ factor, there are a whole range of benefits that come with using positive and encouraging words for kids rather.
Some of these include (but are not limited to):
1. Creating a Growth Mindset: The Best Way to Foster Resilience
One of the most important things we can teach our kids is to have a growth mindset.
This means that we encourage them to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and believe that their abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication.
Instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” try using phrases like, “You worked really hard on that!” or “I can see how much effort you put in!”
Side note – two AMAZING books about growth mindset and the importance of it for children are Grit by Angela Duckworth and Mindset by Dr Carol Dweck. I use Audible to listen to them because I simply don’t have the time to prioritize reading and this way I can listen while I do all the other things that need to be done!
2. Good Job: The Magic of Positive Reinforcement
Who doesn’t love hearing “good job”? It’s a simple, yet powerful way to acknowledge our kids’ efforts and help boost their self-esteem.
Just remember not to overdo it – too much praise can have a negative impact.
Strike a balance between recognizing achievements and encouraging improvement.
3. Be Your Best Self: Inspiring Words for Personal Growth
Help your child understand the value of being their best self by using positive affirmations and encouraging phrases.
Some great examples are, “You can do anything you set your mind to,” or “Believe in yourself, and you’ll be unstoppable.”
You can find a whole list of positive affirmations for kids here – 101 Positive Affirmations For Kids To Empower And Build Confidence
77 Encouraging Words and Phrases to Brighten Your Child’s Day
This is a huge list of encouraging words, and not all of them will be right for you or your child.
Just pick the ones that resonate (you don’t have to use them all) and find ways in your day to encourage your child.
1 – You’re doing a great job!
2 – I’m proud of you.
3 – Keep up the good work.
4 – You’ve got this!
5 – You’re capable of great things.
6 – I believe in you.
7 – You’re so creative.
8 – Your hard work is paying off.
9 – You’re a good friend.
10 – You make me smile.
11 – I love watching you learn and grow.
12 – You’re a great listener.
13 – You’re so kind-hearted.
14 – You’re a problem solver.
15 – You’re making a positive difference.
16 – It’s okay to make mistakes.
17 – It’s okay to ask for help.
18 – You can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
19 – You’re brave.
20 – I appreciate your honesty.
21 – Thank you for being you.
22 – You’re so thoughtful.
23 – You light up the room.
24 – You’re a great team player.
25 – Your smile is contagious.
26 – You’re a joy to be around.
27 – You’re doing a great job trying new things.
28 – Your determination is inspiring.
29 – You’re a fantastic role model.
30 – You have a heart of gold.
31 – You’re a beautiful person inside and out.
32 – You’re so compassionate.
33 – You make the world a better place.
34 – You have a bright future ahead of you.
35 – Your ideas are amazing.
36 – You’re so imaginative.
37 – You’re a superstar!
38 – I admire your courage.
39 – You’re a great communicator.
40 – You’re a wonderful sibling.
41 – You’re a blessing to our family.
42 – Your uniqueness makes you special.
43 – You’re a natural leader.
44 – You have a gift for making people feel important.
45 – You make me proud every day.
46 – Keep chasing your dreams.
47 – Your dedication is inspiring.
48 – You make learning fun.
49 – Your sense of humor brings joy to others.
50 – Your curiosity is a wonderful thing.
51 – You have the power to change the world.
52 – You’re full of fantastic ideas.
53 – You make a positive impact on those around you.
54 – You’re strong and resilient.
55 – Your kindness knows no bounds.
56 – You’re a true friend.
57 – Trust yourself and your instincts.
58 – You have a limitless potential.
59 – Keep believing in yourself.
60 – You’re wise beyond your years.
61 – You’re an incredible person.
62 – Your perseverance is admirable.
63 – You’re a ray of sunshine.
64 – Your creativity is astounding.
65 – Your empathy is a beautiful quality.
66 – You’re a fantastic listener.
67 – You’re a gem.
68 – You have the power to make a difference.
69 – Your intelligence is impressive.
70 – You’re a shining star.
71 – You make me smile every day.
72 – You’re a true inspiration.
73 – Your passion is contagious.
74 – You’re a force to be reckoned with.
75 – You’re a treasure.
76 – You’re a breath of fresh air.
77 – You make every day brighter.
Inspirational Quotes to Share with Your Kids
Sometimes, the wisdom of others can help inspire and uplift our children. Here are some inspirational quotes from famous figures that you can share with your kids to help encourage and motivate them:
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” – Pablo Picasso
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau
“To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
“You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
Remember, as a parent, you are your child’s biggest fan and greatest source of encouragement.
By using these positive words and phrases, along with sharing inspirational quotes, you can help build your child’s self-confidence and foster a growth mindset that will serve them well throughout their lives.
So go ahead, sprinkle some pixie dust, and watch your child soar!
The Lasting Impact of Encouragement
As parents, we play a critical role in shaping our children’s lives, and the words we choose to use can have a lasting impact.
Providing a steady stream of encouragement and support can help our kids develop a strong sense of self, resilience, and a positive mindset that will serve them well in their future endeavors.
The Fine Line Between Praise and Encouragement
It’s essential to strike a balance between praising our children and offering them encouragement.
While praise often focuses on the outcome, encouragement emphasizes the process, effort, and personal growth.
This subtle shift can make a significant difference in how our children approach challenges and learn from their experiences.
For example, instead of saying, “You’re the best soccer player on the field,” try using process praise like, “I love how hard you work during practice, and it shows on the field.”
This approach helps to foster a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of effort and dedication.
Encouraging a Positive Mindset in Tough Times
Life can throw curveballs at us, and our kids are no exception.
Whether it’s a hard day at school, a fight with a friend, or a disappointing performance, these moments offer opportunities for us to provide encouragement and support.
Remind your child that setbacks are a natural part of life and that it’s essential to learn and grow from these experiences.
For instance, if your child has a tough day at school, you might say, “We all have bad days, but tomorrow is a new day, and I know you’ll bounce back.”
Or if they’re dealing with a friendship issue, try, “I know it’s hard, but you’re strong, and you’ll get through this.”
Creative Ideas for Sharing Encouraging Words
While saying encouraging words is crucial, finding creative ways to share them can make them even more memorable and impactful.
Here are a few ideas to help you incorporate uplifting messages into your child’s daily life:
- Leave an encouraging note in their lunchbox or backpack.
- Create a family “encouragement jar” filled with positive messages, and encourage your kids to pick one out each day.
- Start a family tradition of sharing something positive or encouraging at the dinner table.
- Create a personalized “affirmation board” for each child, filled with their favorite quotes, phrases, and words of encouragement.
- Encourage your child to write and share their own positive messages and affirmations with friends and family members.
By using these ideas and consistently sharing encouraging words, you can help build your child’s self-esteem, resilience, and sense of self-worth. In the end, our goal is to help our children grow into confident, capable, and happy individuals, and a few kind words can go a long way in making that happen.
The Power of Encouragement
As we’ve explored throughout this article, sometimes it’s the small things that can make the biggest difference in our children’s lives.
Offering a kind word or a gentle nudge of encouragement might be all it takes to help them take the next step, whether it’s trying something new or bouncing back from a challenging situation.
Remember, good things often come from tough moments, and even when it feels like a bad thing is happening, there might be a valuable lesson lurking beneath the surface.
By providing positive encouragement and fostering a growth mindset, we can help our kids develop a strong sense of self-worth and resilience that will serve them well in the long run.
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to cope with negative emotions and learn from their experiences.
So, while it might be tempting to shield them from life’s challenges, it’s essential to remember that facing obstacles is an integral part of their personal growth.
This doesn’t mean that we can’t offer a helping hand or a listening ear, but it’s vital to strike a balance between support and autonomy.
To ensure that our encouragement has the desired effect, it’s important to be mindful of our language and the messages we’re sending.
For example, while praise and rewards can be useful tools for promoting good behavior, relying too heavily on these methods can have negative effects in the long run.
Instead, focus on fostering intrinsic motivation and helping your child understand the value of their efforts.
With the right encouragement, our kids can stay on the right track, develop a kind heart, and form lasting connections with new friends. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, the key is to find the right way for you and your family.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing for the first day of school, navigating hard times, or celebrating life’s victories, remember that a few kind words can go a long way.
Try incorporating these encouraging phrases and quotes into your daily conversations, and see how much room for growth and happiness you can create in your child’s life.
By focusing on helping our children feel supported and understood, we’re not only making a difference in their lives, but we’re also shaping the adults they’ll become.
So, let’s continue to empower our kids to be their best selves, while cherishing the memories and experiences we create with them along the way – from the little triumphs to the milestone moments that older kids will carry with them for a lifetime.
