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150+ Positive Words to Describe a Child

Words are powerful. This is especially true when you consider the words that you choose to describe your child – or children you work with. Today we are sharing a huge list of adjectives about kids to increase self-confidence and esteem in children.

Positive Adjectives to Describe Kids | A mom talking to her daughter.

Adjectives About Kids: Using the Power of Words to Increase Confidence

The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice. Peggy O’Mara

As a teacher and parent, I know first hand how true that quote is.

I have seen behaviors, attitudes and self-esteem completely transformed in my classroom just by carefully choosing words to describe kids in a positive light. 

You see, if a child repeatedly hears someone describe them using positive words, eventually they start to believe what they are hearing.

Because I have seen how powerful words can be, I have become more intentional with the words I use to describe the behavior, actions and personalities of my own children – and I encourage you to do the same.

Adjectives are describing words and you can pretty much guarantee that the words kids grow up hearing are the same words they will end up using to describe themselves as adults. 

How to Use Adjectives to Describe Kids

Adjectives about kids can be used in a variety of ways:

  • As a parent trying to improve the self-esteem of your own child.
  • As a teacher looking for descriptions to include in report cards or progress reports.
  • As a coach or counselor trying to find words to describe the positive personality traits you see in the kids you’re working with. 

No matter why you are looking for adjectives to describe children, it’s helpful to understand why being as specific as possible is very important.

Oftentimes we get in the habit of using the same generic phrases like “cute” or “smart” on repeat. 

When children hear these same terms repeated over and over they actually become meaningless.

Here are some tips on using adjectives to describe kids:

  • Use phrases that are as unique and individualized as possible.
  • Avoid focusing on appearance for compliments. You don’t want a child’s self-worth to be connected to the way they look.
  • Consider characteristics that set them apart from others.
  • Try to rephrase challenging aspects of their personality in a positive way that highlights how they can use them as strengths (ie instead of stubborn, describe them as determined).
  • Use these words and phrases in everyday conversation so they frequently hear themselves being described using positive words.
  • Write the words on post-it notes and leave them for your child to find in their room, on the bathroom mirror or inside their favorite book.
  • Be genuine – kids can tell when you’re not being authentic. Be sure that the words you use accurately describe your child and how you feel about them – even if it’s just some of the time.
  • Have your child (or students) choose words from this list of adjectives for describing kids to make a poster or collage about themselves.

When used consistently these words will become a natural part of your daily routine and your child will become accustomed to hearing themselves in a positive light every day.

Now let’s get on to the list!

150 Positive Adjectives About Kids

A mother talking to a child using adjectives about kids to improve self confidence and self esteem.

Adjectives to Describe a Child’s Strengths

  • Determined
  • Motivated
  • Positive
  • Trustworthy
  • Artistic
  • Brave 
  • Creative
  • Diligent
  • Friendly
  • Forgiving
  • Imaginative
  • Inventive
  • Motivated
  • Observant
  • Persistent
  • Reliable
  • Resourceful
  • Understanding
  • Unique
  • Hard-working
  • Involved
  • Self-starting
  • Flexible
  • Organized
  • Structured
  • Efficient
  • Adaptable
  • Articulate
  • Clever
  • Persistent
  • Leader
  • Self-reliant
  • Detail oriented
  • Tough
  • Open-minded
  • Industrious
  • Tenacious
  • Communicative
  • Talented
  • Skilled
  • Willing to try
  • Knowledgeable
  • Confident
  • Ambitious
  • Authentic
  • Original
  • Enterprising
  • Fierce
  • Gifted
  • Believable
  • Meticulous

Adjectives to Describe a Kid’s Personality

  • Compassionate
  • Loyal
  • Adventurous
  • Charming
  • Faithful
  • Cautious
  • Polite
  • Magnetic
  • Dynamic
  • Nurturing
  • Cheerful
  • Practical
  • Selective
  • Enchanting
  • Selective
  • Logical
  • Endearing
  • Understanding
  • Entertaining
  • Sensitive
  • Aware
  • Tolerant
  • Spontaneous
  • Charismatic
  • Attentive
  • Opinionated
  • Courageous
  • Approachable
  • Affectionate
  • Easy-going
  • Accepting
  • Effervescent
  • Funny
  • Honest
  • Reflective
  • Hopeful
  • Methodical
  • Inquisitive
  • Talkative
  • Devoted
  • Steadfast
  • Patient
  • Contemplative
  • Insightful
  • Joyful
  • Loving
  • Optimistic
  • Passionate
  • Mindful
  • Aware
  • Calm
  • Resilient
  • Self-Confident
  • Witty
  • Independent
  • Hilarious
  • Philosophical
  • Logical
  • Realistic
  • Unconventional
  • Delightful
  • Modest

Words to Describe A Child’s Behavior

  • Consistent
  • Responsible
  • Kind
  • Daring
  • Considerate 
  • Energetic
  • Fearless
  • Generous
  • Gentle
  • Courteous
  • Helpful
  • Playful
  • Fiery
  • Social
  • Spirited
  • Zestful
  • Thoughtful
  • Confident
  • Cooperative
  • Spunky
  • Reserved
  • Exuberant
  • Expressive
  • Supportive
  • Animated
  • Focused
  • Expressive
  • Eager
  • Intense
  • Assertive
  • Respectful
  • Bold
  • Gutsy

Conclusion

Overtime, your child will begin to integrate the words they hear you use to describe them into their own sense of self worth. Those words and phrases will become a part of their identity and form a foundation of self-confidence and strength.

2 Comments

  1. Hello Lauren, I really appreciate this collection you’ve put together! Lately, my 11-year-old has been going through a phase where she’s feeling extremely pessimistic. In an attempt to help her overcome this, I recently came up with the idea of sitting down together every evening and jotting down at least 10 positive words s (mostly adjectives) describing her. Today, as we sat down to do this exercise, my daughter questioned its purpose by saying, “Why do I need to write these words? Mommy, I am a strong and cheerful girl! Why should I still write them down?” Surprisingly enough, it only took a few days for my daughter’s attitude to become more positive 🙂 Cheers xx Denise

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