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Kindness is vital to teaching children to create a better society and help them function as future adults. Research shows that kindness has many benefits for children. These include increased happiness, improved self-esteem and increased gratitude. As important as it is, it can be challenging to introduce kids to the concept of kindness. Thankfully, there are some great quotes out there that can help a lesson on kindness stick. Here are 10 quotes that help teach kindness to kids.
1. “If you see someone without a smile, give ’em yours” – Dolly Parton
The queen of country music has quoted this philosophy throughout her reign, and it’s a great way to teach kids about kindness.
The imagery helps kids be aware of the people around them and identify a peer who might be having a bad day. Showing kindness to those who need it can help make someone feel better, putting a smile on their face.
2. “Know what sparks the light in you, then use that light to illuminate the world” – Oprah Winfrey
Oprah’s quote is a great way to teach kids about using their passions for kind things.
Everyone has their interests and talents — using those to make a positive difference in the world is essential. Using their passions and talent to help others, they can fulfill themselves personally and satisfy the need for kindness in the world.
3. “Act with kindness, but do not expect gratitude.” – Confucius
This ancient philosopher knew something about kindness and this quote can be an easy way to teach a hard lesson.
It’s easy to expect others to give the kindness we gave them back to us, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, a child provides another kindness but gets met with unkind words or actions. When this happens, it’s still important for them to act with kindness and love towards others.
4. “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan
This quote from the martial artist and actor can show children the impact kindness can have on others.
It’s hard to know the impact kindness has on a person, but it could be significant. By showing kindness, they can encourage others that they’re worthy of love and acceptance. That can have a powerful impact on someone’s life.
5. “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions and the roots spring up and make new trees.” – Amelia Earhart
This trailblazing pilot left behind a quote that is an impactful illustration for everyone.
Thinking of kindness as throwing out roots shows how their act of kindness can encourage others also to be kind. Those kindness roots help make the world a better place.
6. “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Every kid is susceptible to the urge to be unkind to someone else. When anyone gets frustrated with a person or situation, it’s easy to lash out at them.
You can teach kindness with this quote because it helps children understand their words and actions matter. Whether they’re kind or unkind has an immediate impact they can’t undo.
7. “Kind words don’t cost much. Yet they accomplish much.” – Blaise Pascal
This scientist and theologian’s quote is a great way to emphasize to kids that being kind to their peers doesn’t cost them anything.
Being kind to another person doesn’t take away anything from them, so they shouldn’t feel like it does. If they feel tempted to be unkind by peer pressure or their emotions, they can remember that being kind can accomplish beautiful things.
8. “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people.” – John Holmes
A veteran and author, Holmes gives kids an excellent exercise illustration that can help them learn about using kindness.
Just like they should exercise their muscles to keep them strong, they should exercise kindness to maintain a loving and open heart. This is a great way to teach kids the value of kindness.
9. “We speak with more than our mouths. We listen with more than our ears.” – Mr. Rogers
This quote from the best neighbor helps teach kids how kindness speaks and hears the needs of others.
When they recognize the needs of others, they can tell them how much they matter through kind actions. Kind words and actions also show that they hear the other person’s concerns.
10. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
This fabulist’s quote is a great way to summarize kindness for kids.
The quote tells them that no matter how small, an act of kindness will have an impact. That could be on the person they were kind to, themselves or someone else who observed the kindness.
Teach Kindness With Quotes
It’s vital to teach children kindness so they can become kind adults. Kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life and make the world better.
