21 Inspiring Mindfulness Quotes and Affirmations for Kids

Want to give a gift to your kids that will impact them forever? Give the gift of teaching their young minds all about mindfulness. Mindfulness is a "buzzword" that we actually want to stick around. From the time my kids were really young, I made mindfulness a part of our everyday life. Sometimes this looked like planned “mindful moments.” Other times, it's looked like walking them through taking deep breaths when emotions got the best of them (or got the best of me). And sometimes it's been simple like pointing out and noticing the little things as we talk and walk outside.

Being present has helped my kids navigate the ups and downs of daily life with greater ease and the ability to find their own inner peace, because we can't always solve all their problems (as much as we want to!).

Whether you’re just beginning your family’s mindfulness journey or looking for a great way to add positive affirmations to your everyday life, these mindfulness quotes will help remind you (and your child) that the most precious gift is in the present moment.


Mom and child doing yoga together to practice mindfulness

Here Are 21 Mindfulness Quotes to Use With Your Kids

A calm mind and a positive attitude can make alllll the difference in your family’s daily routine. #facts

Each quote comes with a simple explanation you can share with your child. We want these words of wisdom to become a powerful tool to walk your child through personal growth and help them deepen their emotional intelligence.

1. “Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.”

— Jon Kabat-Zinn

​When you practice mindfulness, you pay attention to the present moment and truly notice what’s happening in your daily life.

 

2. “Trust in your deepest strength of all: to be present.”

— Jon Kabat-Zinn

Being present is your superpower, and it helps you enjoy each moment.

 

3. “Allow yourself to feel whatever you are feeling.”

— Jon Kabat-Zinn

It’s okay to have different feelings. Mindfulness means noticing them without judging yourself.



4. “Sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

When you share a smile or notice good things, you create happiness in your everyday life. Share your smile with others, too!

 

5. “We have to continue to learn.”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

Learning new things and being curious each day helps your mind grow and makes daily life more exciting!

 

6. “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

— Mother Teresa

Even tiny acts of kindness and love matter. And these little things can have a positive impact on the world.

 

7. “We can always begin again.”

— Sharon Salzberg

If you make a mistake or feel upset, mindful breathing and starting fresh is the first step. You can always, always try again.

 

8. “Life is not always perfect. Like a road, it has many bends, ups and downs, but that’s its beauty.”

— Amit Ray

The ups and downs in our daily lives are what make every day unique. Don’t get frustrated. Every time there is a down, just know an up is right around the corner!

 

Mom and child on balance toy playing together

9. “The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.”

— Jon Kabat-Zinn

Paying attention to little moments is the best way to practice mindfulness and appreciate the present.

 

10. “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

Taking deep breaths when you feel big feelings can help calm your mind, just like an anchor in a windy sky.

 

11. “If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.”

— Amit Ray

Focusing on your breath and the present moment is the best way to ease worries and enjoy daily life with a calm mind.

 

12. “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”

— Dalai Lama

The basic root of happiness comes from your actions and how you treat yourself and others.

 

13. “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Your actions, not just your words, show your true self.


Mom and child holding hands

14. “Mindfulness isn’t difficult; we just need to remember to do it.”

— Sharon Salzberg

Mindfulness can be simple. Just take a moment each day to pause, breathe, and notice what's happening right now.

 

15. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

— Buddha

The best gift you can give yourself is focusing on the present moment, rather than dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about tomorrow.

 

16. “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”

— A.A. Milne

Little things, like a hug or a kind word, can make your heart feel very happy, even in today’s fast-paced world.

 

17. “The only way to live is by accepting each minute as an unrepeatable miracle.”

— Tara Brach

Each moment in your daily life is special and will never come again, so notice and appreciate it.

 

18. “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

You have the power to choose your path and grow in positive ways every day.

 

19. “Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.”

— Rumi

Following your passions and doing what you love is a great way to find inner peace and happiness.

 

20. “Respond; don’t react. Listen; don’t talk. Think; don’t assume.”

— Raji Lukkoor

Taking a mindful pause before you act or speak is an important step to take before responding.

 

21. “You cannot control the results, only your actions.”

— Allan Lokos

Focus on your own actions and efforts each day. They will add up!


Do you practice mindfulness with your kids? We would love to hear more! Tell us over @thecitymoms on Instagram.

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