Being polite is more than just saying “please” and “thank you”—it’s about showing kindness, respect, and consideration for others. For kids, learning how to be polite helps them build strong relationships, create a positive environment, and make those around them feel valued. Whether it’s using good manners at the dinner table, listening respectfully to others, or helping someone in need, politeness plays an important role in everyday life.
In this blog, we share a collection of polite quotes for kids that highlight the importance of kindness, good manners, and respect. These quotes will inspire children to be polite in all their interactions and understand the power of treating others with consideration.
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Table of Contents
Why Teach Kids About Polite
Teaching kids about politeness helps them develop empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence. Politeness is not just about good manners—it’s about creating a positive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. When kids learn to be polite, they build stronger relationships, communicate more effectively, and learn to appreciate the feelings of others. Politeness also fosters positive social interactions and helps kids navigate social situations with ease. Ultimately, teaching kids the importance of politeness sets them on a path toward becoming considerate, kind, and thoughtful individuals who make a positive impact in their communities.
11 Polite Quotes for Kids

#1 “Politeness is the flower of humanity.” – Joseph Joubert
Kindness is the blossom of being human.
Politeness makes the world feel softer and safer. It’s how we show others that we see and respect them.
Journal Prompt: What is one polite habit you can practice more often?

#2 “Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Bravery and courtesy go hand in hand.
True strength lies not just in bold action but in respectful behavior. Being polite shows inner character.
Journal Prompt: When has being polite taken courage?

#3 “Politeness costs so little and can buy so much.” – Lady Mary Wortley Montagu
A small effort with a big reward.
Even a simple “please” or “thank you” can brighten someone’s day. It’s an easy gift to give.
Journal Prompt: What polite words or actions do you use most often?

#4 “Manners easily and rapidly mature into morals.” – Horace Mann
Good manners grow into strong values.
Being polite teaches us how to treat others with dignity. Over time, these habits shape who we are.
Journal Prompt: How do good manners show that someone is thoughtful?

#5 “Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree.” – Marian Wright Edelman
Kindness builds a strong future.
Success is not just about what you know, but how you treat others. Being considerate earns respect and trust.
Journal Prompt: What’s a time you showed kindness that made a difference?

#6 “Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.” – Laurence Sterne
Self-respect shapes values; respect for others shapes actions.
The way we treat people starts with how we feel about ourselves. Kindness outside starts from within.
Journal Prompt: How do you show respect to yourself and others?

#7 “To be polite is almost to be good.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Goodness often begins with kindness.
Politeness reflects an awareness of others. It’s a first step toward being a thoughtful and caring person.
Journal Prompt: What does being a “good person” mean to you?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!

#8 “Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” – Clarence Thomas
Courtesy creates opportunities.
How you treat people can matter more than what you know. Manners build bridges.
Journal Prompt: How have manners helped you connect with others?

#9 “Politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax.” – Arthur Schopenhauer
Kindness softens hearts.
Just as warmth softens wax, politeness can melt away tension and create understanding.
Journal Prompt: Can you think of a time someone’s politeness changed your mood?

#10 “The real test of good manners is to be able to put up with bad manners pleasantly.” – Kahlil Gibran
True courtesy stays calm under pressure.
It’s easy to be polite when others are too—but staying kind when it’s hard is the real test.
Journal Prompt: How can you stay calm and polite when others aren’t?

#11 “Life is short, but there is always time for courtesy.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Kindness is never a waste of time.
Even when we’re busy or rushed, taking a moment to be courteous leaves a lasting impression.
Journal Prompt: What’s one way you can show more courtesy today?
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Ways to Use These Quotes
- Politeness Journal: After reading a polite quote for kids, encourage children to keep a journal where they write about moments in their day when they practiced politeness. This could include saying “please” or “thank you,” helping others, or being respectful. Reflecting on these moments helps kids realize how powerful kindness can be.
- Politeness Role-Playing: Share a polite quote for kids and engage in role-playing activities where kids practice polite phrases in different scenarios, like greeting someone, asking for help, or apologizing. This helps children learn how to use politeness in real-life situations.
- Politeness Rewards: Use a polite quote for kids and create a reward system where kids earn stars or points for using good manners throughout the day. Rewards can be as simple as praise, extra playtime, or a special treat, reinforcing the importance of politeness.
- Create a Politeness Poster: After reading a polite quote for kids, encourage kids to design a poster that illustrates polite behavior. They can include phrases like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me,” and decorate it with drawings of kind acts. Display the poster in the house to remind everyone to practice politeness.
- Politeness Circle: Share a polite quote for kids and organize a “politeness circle” where everyone takes turns sharing a time when someone was polite to them. Discuss how it made them feel and why politeness is important.
- Compliment Challenge: Use a polite quote for kids to encourage kids to give at least three compliments a day to family members or friends. This helps children practice not only politeness but also kindness and appreciation for others.
Additional Resources
Polite Books For Kids
- Early Elementary Children (Ages 3-6)
- Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
- Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
Polite Activities For Kids
- Politeness Scavenger Hunt: After reading a polite quote for kids, create a scavenger hunt where children look for polite behaviors in the world around them. They can spot people saying “thank you,” holding doors open for others, or using respectful language. This activity helps them become more aware of how politeness shows up in their daily lives.
- Polite Puppets: Share a polite quote for kids and have kids create puppets from socks or paper bags. Then, they can put on a puppet show where the characters practice politeness—like saying “excuse me” or “sorry” when they make a mistake. This is a fun way to reinforce politeness in a creative way.
- Polite Pledge: After reading a polite quote for kids, encourage children to create a “politeness pledge” where they commit to using good manners throughout the day. Kids can sign the pledge and display it as a reminder to practice politeness.
- Kindness Rocks: Share a polite quote for kids and organize a “kindness rock” activity where kids paint rocks with positive messages, such as “Be kind” or “You are important.” These rocks can be placed around the neighborhood for others to find, spreading positivity and kindness.
More Ideas For Parents & Caregivers
- Polite Dinner Table Conversations: Share a polite quote for kids and practice good manners at the dinner table. Teach children to ask politely for food, wait their turn to speak, and thank everyone for the meal. This is a great opportunity to practice respect and consideration.
- Praise Polite Behavior: Use a polite quote for kids and consistently praise your child when they use polite language or demonstrate respectful behavior. Reinforcing positive actions encourages them to continue practicing politeness.
- Discuss the Power of Politeness: Share a polite quote for kids and have a discussion about how politeness can make a difference in people’s lives. Talk about how polite actions help create positive relationships and make the world a kinder place.
What’s Your Favorite Polite Quote?
Politeness is a simple yet powerful way to show kindness, respect, and consideration for others. The polite quotes for kids shared today remind us of the importance of good manners and how they can help build stronger, more respectful relationships. Let’s continue to encourage children to embrace politeness, treat others with kindness, and always practice gratitude in their daily lives.
What is your favorite Polite Quote from the post, or do you have another? Share it by tagging me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches. I would love to see!
Bye for now,
Prima from LittleYellowStar
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