Teens often face a range of challenges—whether it’s seasonal blues like the “post-holiday slump” or struggles with peer pressure, school stress, or relationships. Sometimes, these challenges can even lead to more serious mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression. In fact, studies show that around 20% of teens will experience depression before reaching adulthood, which can be a risk factor for other mental health issues.
While a few words of encouragement may not fix everything, offering a bit of support and positivity can help remind your teen that they’re not alone, and that brighter days are ahead.
20 Inspiring Quotes for Your Teenager
If you have a high schooler, especially a junior or senior, they might be grappling with those big life questions like, “What’s next for me?” It’s a stressful time for them, but you can help by showing them persistence, optimism, and the belief that they can overcome obstacles. Sometimes, sharing a quote or a piece of wisdom can provide that extra boost of encouragement they need.
Here are 20 inspiring quotes you can share with your teen to lift their spirits:
1. “Everything will be ok in the end. If it’s not ok, it’s not the end.”
—John Lennon
2. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
3. “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
—Dr. Seuss
4. “Come, my friends, it’s not too late to seek a newer world.”
—Alfred Lord Tennyson
5. “Do not sit still; start moving now. In the beginning, you may not go in the direction you want, but as long as you are moving, you are creating alternatives and possibilities.”
—Rodolfo Costa
6. “Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else.”
—Judy Garland
Quick Tip: Share These Quotes
You don’t have to wait for a big moment to share these words of encouragement with your teen. Text them a quote, post it on their social media, or even print one out and leave it where they’ll see it—like their bathroom mirror or bedroom door.
7. “The darkest night is often the bridge to the brightest tomorrow.
—Jonathan Lockwood Huie
8. “Don’t let the muggles get you down.”
—J.K. Rowling
9. “Thankfully, persistence is a great substitute for talent.”
—Steve Martin
10. “When everything seems to be going against you, remember the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”
—Henry Ford
11. “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
—C.S. Lewis
12. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Reach Out for Help If Needed
If your teen is struggling with more than just a rough day and you suspect they might be dealing with depression or other mental health concerns, don’t hesitate to get help. The National Youth Crisis Hotline is available at 800-448-4663 for support and guidance.
13. “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get back up.”
—Vince Lombardi
14. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
—Winston Churchill
15. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
—Wayne Gretzky
16. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
—Theodore Roosevelt
17. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
—Steve Jobs
18. “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.”
—Sam Levenson
Bonus Tip: Print and Frame Your Favorites!
Want a keepsake? These quotes can easily be printed and framed as a daily reminder of encouragement. Whether you display them in your teen’s room or tape them to their school notebooks, it’s a simple way to give them a little extra positivity every day.
19. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt
20. “Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
—Steve Jobs