52 Character Building Thoughts for Children

By Leah Davies, M.Ed.

Encouraging Thoughts

By Leah Davies, M.Ed.

1. How I look is not as important as how I act.


2. I treat others the way I want them to treat me.


3. I am a good sport; I follow the rules, take turns and play fair.


4. It is okay to laugh at funny things, but not to laugh at others.


5. I do not gossip; if I cannot say anything helpful, I do not say anything at all.


6. When I am sad, I help myself feel better by thinking of things that are good in my life.


7. In order to have friends, I must act in a kind way.


8. I believe that I am someone who can do important things.


9. What I say and how I say it tells others the kind of person I am.


10. I appreciate my family, my teachers, and my school.


11. I treat everyone with respect.


12. When I listen, I show others that I care about them.


13. I am being a good citizen when I volunteer to help others.


14. I think for myself and make smart choices that are good for me.


15. Each day offers a new start to do my best.


16. I try to understand what my friends are feeling.


17. Everyone makes mistakes, so instead of getting angry with myself, I try to do better.


18. I do not give up; I keep trying until I can do my work.


19. Sharing with others makes me feel good and makes them feel good too.


20. I work out my problems without hurting myself or others.


21. I am being polite when I wait for my turn and say please and thank you.


22. When I smile at people, they usually smile back.


23. I encourage my friends to do their best.


24. My values guide me to do what is right.


25. I am honest; I do not cheat or steal.


26. When I am angry, I use self-control and do not hurt others.


27. I am being creative when I dance, draw, paint or write a poem or story.


28. I say, "No!" to things that could hurt my body like tobacco and alcohol.


29. When I do what I say I will do, I am being responsible.


30. I am grateful for what I have, so I share with others.


31. I try to learn something new each day.


32. When things do not go my way, I stop and think of what I can do to make them better.


33. I do not make fun of other children because I don't know what their life is like.


34. I feel successful when I do my best.


35. Everyone has good and bad feelings.


36. I take care of myself by eating healthy food, exercising and getting enough rest.


37. I am being punctual when I am on time and do not keep people waiting.


38. When I cooperate with others, I get more done.


39. I follow the rules and try to make my school a better place.


40. I like to get to know children who are different from me.


41. Since I tell the truth, my friends trust me.


42. I look for what is good in others and I say what I like about them.


43. I buy only what I need and I save my money.


44. When I use my time wisely, there is usually enough time to do what I want to do.


45. I think before I act; how I act affects how others treat me.


46. Using manners helps me keep my friends.


47. I have courage to stand up for children who are teased.


48. Before I do something, I ask myself, "Is it safe?"


49. I am me -- I do not try to be like someone else.


50. I care about living things on earth so I recycle and do not litter.


51. When I write down what I think and feel, I learn about myself.


52. I plan ahead and think about what I want to do when I grow up.
     
    

•   I am a good person no matter what anyone does or says.

•   It is okay to make mistakes because everyone does.

•   I do not give up; I keep trying.

•   I think about what is good in my life.

•   Everyone feels good and bad, now and then.

•   I can do it!

•   Money cannot buy happiness.

•   How I act is more important than how I look.

•   I am lovable.

•   When I smile, I feel better.

•   I can do many things well.

•   I cannot control what grown-ups do.

•   I am unique, one of a kind.

•   When I feel sad, I think of things I like about myself.

•   Each new day brings a chance to do better.

•   I think about my choices and then choose what is best for me.

•   I will change what I can and accept what I cannot change.

•   I treat others the way I want to be treated.

•   I cannot change my family; I can only change myself.

•   What I learn today will help me in the future.