Adjectives to describe my child

A Giant List of Adjectives to Describe Kids

ByLauren @ Simply-Well-BalancedJune 22, 2021July 30, 2021

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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.

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

What's Inside:

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.

Utilize them as part of a daily affirmation routine.

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

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.

Lauren @ Simply-Well-Balanced

Hi, I'm Lauren Tingley; a working, teacher-mom of two who tried to "do it all" and ended up losing myself in the process. Determined to find joy in modern motherhood I discovered simplifying was the answer. Now I share tips for fun family activities, minimalist homemaking and simple parenting advice on Simply Well Balanced for families looking to create more balance in their homes. My ideas and advice has been shared by Parents Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Women's First.Read more about me! Or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram

100+ Positive Adjectives to Describe a Child - With Free Printable Poster!

Today I’m sharing a list of 100+ positive adjectives to describe a child with a free printable poster of positive adjectives. I hope you enjoy and find it helpful!

You won’t find phrases like “well behaved” or adjectives like cute, handsome, or intelligent in this list. They’re all unique, positive ways to describe a child’s personality. The free printable poster has a cheerful rainbow background and is perfect for classrooms or home use.

Have you ever noticed that the qualities we claim to value in adults are the same things we try to discourage in children?

We praise children for being quiet, coloring inside the lines, and standing still. Then we say we value innovation, determination, and authenticity.

We also tend to praise children’s appearance constantly but don’t really mention their personalities and actions in positive ways. This list of positive adjectives to call a child will help you change that!

This post may include affiliate links, which means I may make a commission on purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

How to describe a child

Hearing the words people use to describe my child has made me very aware of the adjectives I use to describe her. Their descriptions have made me really stop and think about the messages our word choices unintentionally send our children.

Frequently we use kind of milk-toast adjectives like “great,” focus on physical characteristics (“cute” or “pretty”), or praise a child for being so “smart.”

There are a couple problems with always praising a child’s appearance or constantly calling them “good” or “smart.”

For one, girls are already bombarded with messages from society that their appearance matters, maybe more than anything else about them.

Although no one means harm when they tell their daughter how cute she is or that she has a nice outfit, it helps reinforce the idea that how they look is more important then who they are. This can cause a lot of problems and confidence issues down the line!

Virtually everyone who talks to us when we’re out tells us how pretty, beautiful, or cute our LG is. They tell us how my husband is going to jealously guard her from would-be boyfriends. Muñeca (doll) and princesa are favorite adjectives from our Miami family.

A few people do comment on how observant she is, but typically only after they’ve called her cute half a dozen times.

Related read: Printable gratitude journal for kids

I know it’s super hard not to call your little one cute all the time. I’ve tried since day 1 to say other things to LG, but “cute” still slips out frequently because she is cute! But I consciously try to mention her other attributes, like her strength and determination, whenever possible.

Constantly praising a child’s intelligence can also backfire. Although it’s obviously fine to mention their smarts in moderation, a child may become afraid of doing anything that might make them look “stupid” if they’ve tied their identity to being “smart.”

This kind of thinking can lead “talented” students to take less challenging classes and tasks because they’ve tied their identity to being a “good student” and are afraid of making less than straight A’s (If you’re a new reader – I have a Masters in Teaching and this is a topic we studied in developmental psychology and educational theory classes. It’s fascinating stuff!)

It’s also really important to read the research on how praise can backfire in the long run. Read Conditional Parenting – it’s a game changer.

Sale

Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and...

Raising Kids
Kohn, Alfie (Author)
English (Publication Language)

By using more diverse adjectives to describe your child and mentioning their personality traits more than their appearance, you can help your child develop a more healthy and wholistic self-image and greater confidence!

How to use this list of positive adjectives

These adjectives are great for introducing new words to your child. Some of them are more advanced than others, which makes them the perfect way to introduce new words.

They’re also useful for expanding your own repertoire of complements and descriptions.

Additionally, you can use these adjectives if your child has a school assignment to come up with a list of words to describe themselves.

Challenge your children to describe themselves and others in new, different ways each day of the week! See if you can all go an entire week without simply describing someone as nice, pretty, or great.

Make sure to grab the free printable poster (at the bottom of the post) with all 100+ positive adjectives so you can post it in your home or classroom for reference!

Pin this list of positive adjectives now so you don’t lose track of the post!

100+ positive adjectives to describe a child

Adaptable
Adventurous
Affectionate
Alert
Ambitious
Amiable
Astute
Attentive
Authentic
Aware
Awesome
Bold
Brave
Calm
Capable
Caring
Compassionate
Confident
Considerate
Consistant
Courageous
Courteous
Curious
Decisive
Dependable
Determined
Dexterous
Diligent
Diplomatic
Dynamic
Earnest
Encouraging
Energetic
Engaging
Enthusiastic
Fair
Fearless
Flexible
Focused
Forgiving
Forthright
Free-spirited
Friendly
Fun
Fun-loving
Generous
Gentle
Genuine
Giving
Graceful
Gracious
Happy
Hardworking
Honest
Hopeful
Humble
Humorous
Idealistic
Imaginative
Innovative
Insightful
Intuitive
Inventive
Joyful
Just
Kind
Lively
Loving
Loyal
Merry
Motivated
Motivational
Nurturing
Observant
Open
Open-hearted
Open-minded
Optimistic
Organized
Outgoing
Patient
Persistent
Playful
Positive
Precise
Punctual
Purposeful
Quick-witted
Radiant
Realistic
Reflective
Reliable
Resourceful
Sincere
Sociable
Social
Strong
Sympathetic
Trusting
Trustworthy
Upbeat
Vivacious
Warm
Welcoming
Wise
Zany

Free printable poster of positive adjectives

Here’s a preview of the printable poster of positive adjectives! (The image is just a low-res preview, not the printable PDF)

If you’d like to reference this list of positive adjectives to describe a child, make sure to grab the free printable!

Download your printable poster of 100 positive adjectives here

This poster of positive adjectives matches a set of the growth mindset poster printables I shared recently. Make sure to stop by and grab your free printable growth mindset posters, too.

More positive parenting resources

You can’t pour from an empty cup. These free self-care ideas for moms can help you be the positive parent you want to be! There are also some free printable affirmation cards to help you out.

Do you want to encourage your toddler’s desire to practice gross motor skills? These indoor gross motor toys for toddlers are the best!

Do you have any additional positive adjectives you’d like to see added to the list?

Adjectives characterizing a person from the good side

Heading: For every day

Here is the most complete list of adjectives that positively characterize a person. The list does not include obscene words and words that are professional terms used by a narrow circle of people for professional purposes (not in colloquial speech).

The list does not include such words as: “beautiful”, “blue-eyed”, “stately”, “slender” and the like. They describe appearance, but (although they are adjectives used to describe a person) they are not related to character and are unable to shed light on personality traits.

Please note: the list contains words that can be both an adjective and participle (depending on the context in which the word is used at any given time).

Also, remember that some words are neutral in color and characterize a person from the good side only depending on the context in which it is used. But in the same way, it can be used not as a characteristic of positive personality traits, but simply as a statement of fact (without a specific coloring).

If you need the most complete list of adjectives that characterize a person (both positively and negatively), you can find it at the link above.

A

Adventurous (positively characterizes if used in a good way)
Adequate
Gambling (here in the meaning - a positively gambling person, for example - an athlete or passionate about study, work, i. e. - very enthusiastic)
Active
Neat
Altruistic (altruistic)
Ambitious (if positively ambitious, in a good sense, we are talking about healthy ambitions of an adequate person)
Apolitical
Ascetic without violating the rights of others)
Artistic
Aristocratic

B

Alert
Harmless
Fearless

g

Galant
harmonious
Brilline
Heroic
Thunder
Deep (here is not empty, filled person)
Talking
Golovasty
Hot (if used positively)
Hospitable
Literate
Humane
Gutta-percha

D

Forethly
Darovite
Delicate
VELE
Business
Democratic
Daring (sometimes insolence is required for the implementation of bold plans and this personality quality becomes positive)
limy (cm above. as daring)
Active
Diplomatic
Disciplined
Valiant
Kind
Kindest
Companion
Social
Comfortable (for example: Comfortable in communication, in solving disputed issues, etc.)
specific
competitive
Conservative
Creative Creative Creative Creative Creative
Painstaking
Meek
Cultural

L

Laconic
Gentle
Light (here, not light by weight. For example: easy to communicate, easy to get on with, etc.)
Lyrical (neutral characterizes, but in some cases is a positive property)
Loyal
Loving
Affable
Inquisitive
Curious (for some situations, professions, this personality trait is positive)
Loving

М

Slow-speaking
Insensitive (under certain circumstances, such a character trait can be positive)
Mannery
Skillful
Seasoned (here in the meaning - very experienced, knowledgeable in something)
Melancholic (neutrally characterizes In some cases, it is a positive characteristic. For example, when it is required to exclude people of choleric temperament from the candidates under consideration ... in this case, characterizing him as "melancholy" will do him good)
Powerful
Fashion
Moral
Motivated
Wise
Wise
Wisdom
Musical
Cweaty - Simple. Completely. Completely. description, sometimes - can serve as a negative feature)
Thinking
Soft (here in the meaning - soft in character, not to the touch)
Soft -hearted

N

Ertheated
Reliable
Nacked
assertive
Potter (in a good sense. assertiveness)
Well-read
Not indifferent
Not indifferent
Undemanding
Unflappable
NOT Military
Infant (a useful property for ... for example - a surgeon and other specialists where a certain share of insensibility is required to fulfill their professional tasks)
Nejadema
Non -dry
Negloor
Non -Wire useful property for a man, for a woman - rather negative)
Gentle
Independent
Disinterested (a useful feature when it is required to be disinterested in something in order to be objective)
Principly
Unfinous
Large
Extraordinary
Non -sound
Non -sound
Non -melodious one, a produced and one -mights and in the same way. cockroaches")
Innocent
Uncorrupted
Incorrigible
Non-contentious
Unselfish
Unnecessary
Unkind
unemotional (it can positively characterize a person if the lack of emotionality, equanimity, excerpt, etc.)
Normal

is a charming
renewal.
Educated
Sociable
Objective
Compulsory
Gifted
Obsessed (here in the meaning - obsessed with work, business, etc.)
positive
Darkly
Clearly
consistent (for example: consistent in actions, in decisions, etc.)
POSITIVE
Lorid
Useful
Complex Complex Complete
Positive
Popular
Amazing
Decent
Dedicated
Consistent
obedient
Constant (here in the meaning - constant in its views, principles, attitude, etc. )
Fiercore
Awesome
Vilitary
Truthful
Righteous
Correct
Pragmatic
Practical
Excellent
Devotee (here meaning faithful)
Kind
Predictable
rational
reactive (here in the meaning - highly active, fast, energetic, etc.)
Realistic
Rare
Rare
Decisive
risky
Romantic
) in the meaning - who can do a lot with his hands, is capable of a lot with his hands)

С

Original
Self-sufficient
Self-forgetful
Strong (not necessarily physically strong, for example: a strong person, mentally strong, mentally strong, etc.) e.)
Skeptical
Modest
Scrupulous
Loquacious
Complicated (for example, complexly organized, etc. this can be both a negative characteristic and a positive one. This word can be described from a good side only if attached to it positive coloring in the context)
Stable (constant, durable, sensible, emotional-stabil, socially stable, etc.)
Stepnoy
Strongy
Passionate
Strong-resistant
Happy
Happy

Tactful
Talented
Solid (here it means a reliable, stubborn, courageous, inflexible person)
Creative
Lucky
amazing
Squeezing
Smiling
Skillful
Moderate
Pacified
Smart
Unique
CAN TREED OF THE COMMUNITURED (WHOS CAN TREE OF THE CAN depends on the context and circumstances)
Balanced
Diligent
Diligent
Helpful
Successful
Blonding
Sophisticated
Frontier
Scientist
Calid
Sustainable (for example: mentally, emotionally, professionally, etc. )

f

Fanatic (for example, fanatically brought to work, children, children, children etc.)
Fantasizing
Lucky (from the word "luck")
Fatish (depending on the context - in some cases it serves as a positive, negative or neutral characteristic)
Philosophical (for example: philosophically minded, philosophically reasoning, etc.)
Phlegmatic (neutral characteristic, but phlegmatic can be considered a virtue when a person of exactly the phlegmatic type is required, and all other types are undesirable)
Photogenic
Fundamental (here in the meaning - strong, strong)

X

Charismatic
Cold-blooded
Hospitable
Economically competent (economically prepared)
Expert
Extravagant (sometimes this word can be positively characterized, sometimes - negatively. Depends on the context)
Energetic
Emotional
Empathetic (capable of empathy)
Extraordic
Outrageous
Elite
Spectacular

Yu

Humorous
Homornaya
Young
Legally competent/illiterate
Yurkiy

I

Language
Bright
Yariy (On any inclinations , an ardent hater of fools)
Furious (here, as above - a fierce fan of his profession, for example)
Clairvoyant

Note:

All of the above words can positively characterize both a man and a woman, a teenager and in many cases a child. To do this, you need to change the ending of each word, changing the gender of the word from masculine to feminine.
This list of words is useful when creating a profile, resume, self-presentation, cover letter (when looking for a job), essays and is applicable wherever it is required to describe a person (his character traits, behavioral characteristics, personality traits, etc.).
The collection of words was collected manually by the author of the site. And the author has copyright. Use the list for personal non-commercial purposes and do not use it for reprinting and publication (in whole or in separate fragments) on any media (electronic, paper, etc.).

Children's Descriptive Adjective List

Children's Descriptive Adjective List can help students understand this part of speech and improve their writing. Describing words for children should focus on adjectives that children have heard or words that are easy for them to pronounce and spell.

What are descriptive adjectives and words?

Words that describe people, places, and things, or nouns, are called adjectives. You can remember this by thinking, "the adjective adds something."

The descriptive adjective is one of the three main types of adjectives.
Descriptive adjectives or descriptive words give detailed information about a subject.
Descriptive adjectives can help you understand what something looks like, how many it is, what size it is, or what it's made of.

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List of Adjectives

Examples of Descriptive Adjectives for Children

Having an extensive list of descriptive adjectives handy can help children improve their vocabulary. You can look at the list of adjectives to see how some describe the words and how others tell you different details about the noun.

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Appearance adjectives

If you need an adjective to describe a child or adult, you can use words that describe in detail their appearance, size or age. Whenever possible, try to use positive words that describe the person.

Looks	Size	Age
Zany

Adjectives to describe emotions and feelings

Children have a lot of emotions and they often have very big feelings. Different emotion words can help you express exactly how you feel.

Angerly

Bored

Content

Capricted

Bannered

E -exhausted

Isshed0003

Printable Adjective List

Helpful Descriptive Adjective Tips

Learning adjectives can be challenging for kids, but it can also be a lot of fun. Look for creative ways to share adjective examples to make the most of these grammar lessons.

Buy or print flash cards with descriptive adjectives. Hold up a picture of a person, animal, or other noun and let the children sort through the stack of cards to find the right word to describe the picture.
After the child writes a paragraph or story, circle all of its adjectives and ask them to come up with new adjectives that could be used instead of the circled ones.
Use crazy library style to help kids learn different adjectives with humor.
Encourage children to combine adjectives when describing things like "adorable brown dog" rather than just "dog."
Teach your child to use a thesaurus or children's dictionary to spice up their writing and keep a list of new adjectives they discover.
You can also try banning certain common adjectives to help your child think outside the box and make their writing more alive.

Describe in detail

Writing in elementary school is important because this is the time when children really develop their own vocabulary and writing style.