No doubt about it, being a parent is hard. But sometimes we adults get so wrapped up in how tough parenting is – the day-to-day grind of childproofing, bath time, meal time and more – we forget that being a kid is also hard!
If your little one is facing a challenge, or you simply want to instil a few words of wisdom for the various choices they’ll face in their lives, you might not have thought to look to Einstein.
Just as Picasso had some great quotes for kids, so too did Einstein! Sure, the man was a genius mathematician, but it turns out he also came up with quite a few nuggets of wisdom about life in general. In fact, there are plenty of Albert Einstein quotes for kids out there that we absolutely love.
Below, we’ve pulled together 22 of our favorite Albert Einstein quotes for kids. We used quotes that are often attributed to Einstein online. For purists, we’ve tried to note any controversy about the true source of the quote.
Albert Einstein Quotes for Kids About Life & Learning
1. Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.
Even though we’ve included this as an inspirational Albert Einstein quote for kids, it’s unclear if Einstein really ever said it. Many attribute this quote to Einstein, but others attribute it to William Bruce Cameron.
Either way, it’s an insightful quote and a bit of a brain teaser for kids – one that will help them consider what really matters in life.
2. A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new.
If your child is struggling with perfectionism or scared of making mistakes, this is the perfect reminder! When we try something new, push our own boundaries, develop our skills, or strive to become better at something, it’s not uncommon to make mistakes along the way.
Those mistakes are something to be celebrated, not feel ashamed of!
3. Imagination is everything.
The full quote is actually, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” However, we thought this was a bit too complicated for kids, especially very young children.
If you’re looking for some inspirational nursery art to hang above your baby’s crib, it’s hard to go wrong with this – one of our favorite and simplest Albert Einstein quotes for kids!
4. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.
This quote, too, is part of a bigger quote: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence.”
For kids, however, we like breaking it down and keeping it simple. This is one of the simplest Albert Einstein quotes for kids, and is a lovely reminder for your kids to stay curious throughout their lives.
As parents, we try to help by introducing activities that encourage curiosity, like sensory bottles, gardening activities, or themed books!
5. Do not grow old, no matter how long you live.
Adults admire and long for the innate childlike wonder of youth. This quote is a reminder that its not a given we lose our curiosity and enthusiasm as we age, and that age is just a number.
6. Imagination is more important than knowledge.
There are plenty of Einstein quotes about knowledge, education, facts, and imagination, but we think this quote sums up his philosophy quite nicely.
Imagination is a skill, an innate way of thinking and living, whereas knowledge is something that can be gained (and lost).
If your child is struggling with school or memorizing facts, counting, spelling, or other aspects of education, remind them that their imagination is a wonderful superpower!
7. You never fail until you stop trying.
This quote is simple and self explanatory! Never give up!
8. The search for truth is more precious than its possession.
Einstein maintained a wonderful curiosity throughout his life – much like a child! This quote will remind your child to hold that curiosity dear as they grow, and to never stop asking questions and trying to figure out how things work.
9. The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.
We love this quote, mostly because we think change and adaptability will become even more important to the next generation, as the world and economy goes through a monumental shift brought about by climate change and the pandemic.
We are certainly trying to instill adaptability in our own kids, so this quote really holds meaning to us!
10. Only those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible.
This is a wonderful quote for kids who have big dreams or are trying something that will stretch their abilities and help them grow!
It’s also a great reminder for kids who have been told by outside forces to be more realistic in their thinking – where’s the fun in that?
11. Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution.
We all know negative people, and it’s personally taken me years to learn this lesson. With this clever quote, I hope it won’t take my kids as long to learn the lesson!
12. Don’t listen to the person who has the answers. Listen to the person who has the questions.
Another reminder to stay curious, and never stop asking questions to get at the heart of the matter!
13. Compassionate people are geniuses in the art of living.
This is a beautiful quote that will remind your kids that there really is an art to this whole business of living, and being kind is at the heart of it.
14. Live with purpose.
These three simple words can be a mantra for parents and children alike.
15. The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd.
As peer pressure settles into your child’s world, this quote is a reminder that it’s okay to be different.
16. Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
It’s easy to dwell on the past, and it’s hard to deal with change. This quote is a reminder that change and forward motion are a natural part of life. And puts it in terms that are easy for kids to understand.
17. What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right.
Another reminder to stay the course and not bow to peer pressure. This quote will help kids who need to make a good, but unpopular, decision.
18. Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
Whether by making a change in mindset or a change in circumstance, there are plenty of adults who have created their own, positive reality in life.
Let’s hope our kids grow up to be those people!
19. There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
Young children approach everything as if it’s a miracle. The trick is to keep this attitude as they grow up!
20. The best way to cheer yourself is to cheer somebody else up.
At the end of the day, kindness is always the answer.
21. Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
This is another great quote for kids who are struggling with concepts in school, or need a reminder that they have everything they need to succeed inside them.
22. The important thing is to not stop questioning.
I hope my kids grow up to be rabble rousers – at least a little bit! Questioning how things work, questioning authority for authority’s sake – in my mind, that’s how the world progresses in a positive direction.
Never stop questioning!
