Most people can easily recall a time when they’ve been surprised or saddened by comments made by a child. The inverse can be just as shocking: watching a child ignore an opportunity to lift someone up simply by saying something nice — or saying anything at all!
Kind words and phrases tend to be simple and quite common. In fact, your child probably already has a collection of kkind thoughts in place. However, children often need help giving voice to their appreciative thoughts and, equally as important, understanding why it’s important to do so.
Would you like your child to make this sort of caring behavior a habit? If so, it’s important to model this behavior yourself and include in-the-moment discussion about what your words are making the other person feel.
Below is a look at the feelings that kind words convey, along with specific kindness quotes for kids that can get the job done.
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Lesson 1: Initiating friendship.
Being affable, approachable, and open shows others that someone cares and is interested in teaming up. Help your child become comfortable saying things like:
- How are you doing?
- I’m happy to see you.
- Would you like to play?
- You go first.
Using these simple phrases conveys interest and a sense of camaraderie.
Lesson 2: Being encouraging.
Partnering with someone who feels incapable or frightened helps them feel safer and less along. Encourage phrases such as:
- Good try!!
- You’ve got this!
- Wow — that was great!
- You tried your best!
These and similar kindness quotes for kids promote confidence and positivity.
Lesson 3: Conveying helpfulness.
Lending a hand to someone is a kind thing to do, simply because doing so lets the person know that they matter. Have your child practice saying:
- Are you okay?
- Do you need help with that?
- I’m happy to share.
- Let’s try it together.
Helpful words tell the listener that he/she is not alone and that someone cares.
Lesson 4: Solving problems.
Certain phrases can go a long way to resolving conflict. Here are a few your child can use often:
- I didn’t mean to make you sad.
- Can we still be friends?
- Let’s talk about this.
- I’m very sorry.
Putting remorse into words is a great way to soothe hurt feelings and minimize problems.
Lesson 5: Being appreciative.
Words of thanks encourage good will and can set the tone for continued kindness. You and your child can practice saying:
- Thank you for helping.
- I appreciate this.
- That’s very kind of you.
- You are the best!
Expressing appreciation highlights the importance of small favors and instills good feelings in both parties.
“A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.” — John Ruskin
It pays to encourage your kids to choose and use words that uplift people and make them feel included and respected. Taking time to practice tried-and-true kind phrases will build your child’s awareness of the impact words can have.
The sense of safety brought to the recipient by positive talk is an important byproduct, because ultimately, kind words convince people that they are liked.
By teaching and modeling kindness quotes for kids, you can help your child experience the same contentment they bring to whomever they talk to each day.
