Gratitude Quotes for Kids
Gratitude is a pretty magical thing. It helps kids feel happier, calmer, and more connected to the world around them. And let’s be honest, getting kids to say “thank you” without being reminded 100 times? Total win.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who wants to sprinkle a little more kindness into a child’s life, these gratitude quotes for kids are the perfect way to do it. They’re sweet, simple, and easy for little minds to understand. Plus, we’ve packed this post with fun ideas, gentle reminders, and ways to weave thankfulness into everyday moments.
Why Gratitude Matters for Kids
Before we get into the quotes, let’s talk about why gratitude is such a big deal. And not just around Thanksgiving!
Gratitude:
- Helps kids focus on the positive
- Builds empathy and kindness
- Boosts mood and self-esteem
- Teaches kids to notice the good stuff, even the little things
And the best part? Gratitude is something we can teach, and it starts with simple words and everyday moments.
Short and Sweet Gratitude Quotes for Kids
These are perfect for lunchbox notes, sticky notes on the mirror, or even a little bedtime chat.
- “Start each day with a thankful heart.”
- “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
- “Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.”
- “Thank you is the best prayer anyone could say.” – Alice Walker
- “Gratitude is the smile of the heart.”
- “Be thankful, be kind, and shine bright.”
- “Happiness begins with a grateful heart.”
- “When you’re thankful, you glow differently.”
- “Say thank you more than you say sorry.”
- “Grateful kids grow into grateful grown-ups.”
These quotes are short enough for little learners to remember, and meaningful enough to last a lifetime.
Gratitude Quotes from Famous People (That Kids Can Understand!)
Sometimes it helps to hear it from someone famous! These quotes are from well-known people but still simple enough for kids to grasp.
- “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy.” – Marcel Proust
- “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” – Cicero
- “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson
- “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
- “Gratitude helps you fall in love with the life you already have.” – Unknown
Try sharing one of these at the dinner table and asking, “What’s something you’re thankful for today?”
Gratitude Quotes for School or the Classroom
Teachers, these are for you! These are sweet reminders for your classroom bulletin board, daily message board, or morning meeting.
- “A thankful heart is a happy heart.”
- “Gratitude is like glitter, the more you spread it, the brighter things get!”
- “In our classroom, we say thank you loud and often.”
- “Kindness begins with being thankful.”
- “Grateful students make great learners.”
- “We rise by lifting others, and thanking them too!”
- “Let’s fill this room with gratitude, giggles, and growth.”
Encouraging gratitude in the classroom creates a warm, welcoming vibe where kids feel seen and appreciated.
Gratitude Quotes for Hard Days
Even on the rough days (especially on the rough days), a little dose of thankfulness can help shift the mood.
- “It’s okay to have a bad day, but don’t forget the good in it.”
- “Gratitude doesn’t erase the hard stuff. It just reminds us of the good stuff too.”
- “There’s always something to be thankful for, even if it’s just hugs and cookies.”
- “Thankfulness is the sunshine that breaks through rainy days.”
- “You don’t need to feel happy to be thankful, but thankfulness can bring happiness.”
These are great for teaching kids that gratitude isn’t only for when things are going great, it’s for because they are trying their best.
Gratitude Quotes for Journaling or Reflection
If your kids are into journaling or you want to start a “thankful jar,” these quotes can spark great conversations and moments of reflection.
- “Gratitude is a treasure chest for your heart.”
- “Write it down and watch your thankfulness grow!”
- “Your grateful heart is your superpower.”
- “The more you count your blessings, the more you’ll find.”
- “One thankful thought can change your whole day.”
Pro tip: Keep a little notebook or use printable prompts for a simple gratitude journal. Even one sentence a day is a win!
How to Teach Kids Gratitude (Beyond Just Quotes)
Quotes are a great start, but here are some simple ways to make gratitude part of your family’s everyday life:
1. Thankful Jars
Grab a mason jar, decorate it with stickers or glitter (because why not?), and each day, everyone in the family adds one thing they’re thankful for. Read them together at the end of the week!
2. Gratitude Walks
Go on a walk and name things you’re grateful for, trees, sunshine, puppies, each other!
3. Dinner Table Gratitude Game
Each night at dinner, go around the table and have everyone share one thing they’re thankful for that day. Keep it light and fun!
4. Gratitude Art
Have kids draw pictures of things they’re grateful for. It’s a sweet activity, and makes adorable fridge art.
5. Write Thank You Notes
Help your child write notes (or draw pictures) to thank teachers, grandparents, or friends. It’s old-fashioned, but always appreciated!
Gratitude Affirmations for Kids
Want to keep those thankful thoughts going all day long? Try these kid-friendly affirmations:
- I am thankful for my family and friends.
- I notice and appreciate the little things.
- I choose to be thankful, even on tough days.
- I have so much to smile about.
- Gratitude fills my heart and makes me feel calm.
- I am thankful for who I am and all that I have.
- I am surrounded by love and kindness.
- Every day brings something to be thankful for.
- I am grateful for today and excited for tomorrow.
- Being thankful helps me feel happy inside.
- I give thanks with a happy heart.
- I see beauty in the world and appreciate it.
- I am thankful for the people who care about me.
- Gratitude makes me strong, kind, and joyful.
- I have everything I need and more.
Say them out loud in the morning, write them on sticky notes, or turn them into cute little bookmarks!
Gratitude isn’t just a once-a-year thing, it’s a way of life. And when kids learn to notice and appreciate the good in their world, it changes everything.
These gratitude quotes for kids aren’t just about saying “thanks”, they’re about helping little ones see the magic in everyday moments. Whether it’s for school, home, or just because you want to raise kind, thoughtful kids, gratitude is a gift that keeps on giving.
So go ahead, print these quotes, put them on the fridge, stick them in lunchboxes, or whisper them before bed. The more we share gratitude, the more it grows.
