Most Inspiring Songs for Children
Looking for the best inspirational songs for kids? Whether you’re building a morning playlist, helping your child through a tough day, or just want to fill the house with positive vibes—these songs are perfect for encouraging confidence, resilience, and joy.
Music has an incredible power to inspire and heal, helping us through difficult times and brightening up our days.
To introduce your kids to the wonderful world of music and its many benefits, you need amazing songs that are fun to listen to while also teaching them important lessons about kindness, honesty, courage or any other virtue you want to instill in your child. These inspirational songs for kids are perfect for building up self-esteem and emotional strength.
We play these songs during our morning routine—it shifts my kids’ moods almost instantly, especially on hard school days.
A great way to spend some quality time with your kids can be listening to music!
HERE IS THE YOUTUBE MUSIC PLAYLIST. Just click the link and the playlist is already made for you.
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Inspirational Songs Kids Love
From classroom sing-alongs to family dance parties, inspirational songs for kids can make a huge impact.
- “A Million Dreams” – Ziv Zaifman, Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams (from The Greatest Showman) MY FAVORITE!
- Whatever It Takes – Imagine Dragons
- “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
- “This Is Me” – Keala Settle (from The Greatest Showman)
- “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves
- “Roar” – Katy Perry
- “True Colors” – Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake (from Trolls)
- “Try Everything” – Shakira (from Zootopia)
- “Let It Go” – Idina Menzel (from Frozen)
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake (from Trolls)
- “How Far I’ll Go” – Auli’i Cravalho (from Moana)
- “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Randy Newman (from Toy Story)
- “The Climb” – Miley Cyrus
- “Don’t Give Up” – Bruno Mars (Sesame Street)
- “Better When I’m Dancin'” – Meghan Trainor (from The Peanuts Movie)
- “Count on Me” – Bruno Mars
- “Brave” – Sara Bareilles
- “Hakuna Matata” – Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, Joseph Williams (from The Lion King)
- “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong
- “We Are the World” – USA for Africa
- “Beautiful Day” – U2
- “Anything’s Possible” – Lea Michele (from Barbie: A Perfect Christmas)
- “Don’t Stop” – Fleetwood Mac
- “Reach” – Gloria Estefan
- “Tomorrow” – Aileen Quinn (from Annie)
- “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” – Jackie DeShannon
- “Believer” – Imagine Dragons
- “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
- “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – Kelly Clarkson
- “We’re All in This Together” – Cast of High School Musical
- “Rise Up” – Andra Day
- An empowering anthem that encourages perseverance and resilience.
- “This Is Me” – Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman)
Celebrates individuality and self-acceptance, making it a favorite among kids and teens. - “Count On Me” – Bruno Mars
A heartwarming song about friendship and reliability. - “Don’t Hide Your Magic” – Emily Arrow
Encourages children to embrace their uniqueness and creativity. - “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
An inspiring track that motivates kids to believe in themselves and their abilities. - “I’m Good” – The Mowgli’s
A cheerful tune promoting self-confidence and positivity. - “Never Break” – John Legend
A soulful song about enduring love and resilience. - “Try Everything” – Shakira (Zootopia)
Encourages kids to embrace challenges and keep trying, no matter the outcome. - “Get Back Up Again” – Anna Kendrick (Trolls)
A fun and upbeat song about bouncing back from setbacks. - “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Randy Newman (Toy Story)
Highlights the importance of friendship and loyalty.
YouTube Playlists With Inspirational Songs For Kids
I’ve curated this list of inspirational songs for kids with positive lyrics and uplifting messages.
🎶 More Powerful Inspirational Songs for Kids
If you’ve already worked through your favorite tracks and want even more positivity in your playlist, here are some additional inspirational songs kids love—and parents do too!
These selections are full of motivation, encouragement, and joy:
“Hall of Fame” – The Script ft. will.i.am
Encourages kids to dream big and work hard. Especially motivating for older kids and athletes.
“Unstoppable” – Sia
A modern anthem of inner strength and confidence, perfect for tweens and older kids.
“Rise Up” – Andra Day
A soulful ballad that reminds kids (and adults!) to keep pushing forward, even when things feel tough.
“Cover Me in Sunshine” – Pink & Willow Sage Hart
A sweet duet between a mom and daughter with a message of peace and hope.
“Count on Me” – Bruno Mars
Ideal for friendship playlists or teaching kindness, this one is a gentle reminder to be there for one another.
“Brave” – Moriah Peters
A faith-forward message of bravery and trust—great for families who love Christian pop.
🎧 Music Must-Haves for Happy Kids
Looking to take your music time to the next level? Try these Amazon favorites:
- Bluetooth Microphone for Kids – For epic sing-alongs!
- Kids Headphones with Volume Limiter – Safe and comfy for little ears
- Portable CD Player or Bluetooth Speaker – Great for independent listening
Streaming Services You Can Use
If your child struggles with anxiety or needs motivation, try playing these inspirational songs for kids during transitions.
Listening to music with our kids can be a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family. It can also be a great way to introduce them to different genres of music and expose them to positive and uplifting messages. There are many music platforms available that make it easy to access a wide variety of music.
One popular option is streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. These platforms offer a vast library of songs, playlists, and podcasts. You can create custom playlists for your kids and even listen to them together as a family.
Another option is Amazon Music, which also offers a large selection of songs, playlists, and podcasts. It also has the added benefit of being easily accessible on Amazon devices like Echo Dot, Echo Show, and Fire TV.
All these platforms offer a free trial period and also provide subscription based services that give you access to ad-free music, offline listening and more. These subscription based services can be a great way to support the artists and creators of the music you and your family enjoy.
🧠 Why Inspiring Songs Matter for Kids’ Emotional Growth
Music does more than entertain — it teaches, soothes, and empowers. Inspirational songs, in particular, can help children:
- Build resilience during tough times
- Process big emotions like frustration, fear, or self-doubt
- Strengthen self-worth with affirming lyrics they’ll repeat to themselves
- Practice empathy by listening to songs about kindness and connection
🎵 For example, when a child hears “I’m brave, I’m strong, I’m loved,” those words can become internal mantras that shape how they see themselves.
And the research backs it up: studies show that children exposed to emotionally positive music tend to demonstrate higher levels of optimism, emotional regulation, and empathy.
Try this: Play one inspiring song each morning during breakfast or before school. Over time, these moments become part of your family’s emotional toolkit.
🛠️ How to Use Inspiring Songs in Daily Life (At Home or in Class)
You don’t need a music degree to make uplifting songs part of your child’s routine. Here are simple, low-stress ways to bring inspiration into their day:
🎧 Morning Boost
Start the day with a confidence anthem like “Brave” by Sara Bareilles or “Try Everything” by Shakira. Music sets the tone for how kids feel walking into school or daycare.
🚗 Car Karaoke
Create a “Feel-Good” playlist for school drop-off or errands. Singing along turns downtime into bonding time — and reinforces positive messages without a lecture.
🏡 After-School Reset
Use music to help kids decompress after a tough day. Calm, encouraging songs can shift their mood faster than talking alone.
✏️ In the Classroom
Many teachers use music to signal transitions or build classroom culture. Choose songs with strong messages of teamwork, kindness, and self-belief.
🎵 Pro tip: Make it interactive! Ask your child how the song makes them feel, or let them pick a favorite to “theme” their day.
🎶 Create Your Own “Inspiration Playlist” With Your Kids
One of the best ways to connect with your child—and boost their confidence—is to build a custom playlist together. It’s more than just music; it’s a memory-making, values-building activity.
👣 Step-by-Step:
- Pick a Theme:
Try “Songs that Make Me Brave,” “My Kindness Playlist,” or “Feel-Good Vibes Only.” - Let Them Choose Too:
Ask your child what songs make them feel strong, happy, or calm. You might be surprised what they pick! - Mix Old + New:
Add childhood classics (“You’ve Got a Friend in Me”) alongside modern anthems (*“Fight Song,” “Count on Me”). - Use It Often:
Play it during morning routines, road trips, chore time, or before tests or big events. - Make It a Tradition:
Update it every few months as your child grows. It becomes a musical journal of their journey.
💡 Bonus tip: You can even burn a CD or create a printable cover to make it a keepsake gift — especially great for birthdays, graduations, or milestones.
❓ FAQ: Inspirational Songs for Kids
What makes a good inspirational song for children?
Look for lyrics about kindness, perseverance, and confidence—paired with upbeat rhythms that are fun to sing.
Can music really help kids with emotions?
Absolutely. Studies show that music helps children regulate feelings, reduce anxiety, and build resilience.
When should I play inspirational music for my child?
Try mornings, car rides, chore time, or right before a big event—like a test or game—to set a positive tone.
Are these songs good for classroom or homeschool use?
Yes! These songs are perfect for group singing, motivation before learning, or brain breaks.
Why are inspirational songs important for children?
Inspirational music helps kids build confidence, cope with emotions, and stay motivated. It can set a positive tone for the day and help during transitions or challenging moments.
What makes a good inspirational song for a child?
Look for positive lyrics, catchy melodies, and clear messages of perseverance, kindness, and self-worth. Bonus if it gets them moving!
When should I play these songs for my kids?
Morning routines, chore time, car rides, and pre-school drop-offs are perfect opportunities to use music as a mindset tool.
Are inspirational songs good for classroom use?
Absolutely! Many teachers use them to start the day, transition between activities, or as brain breaks.
What age group are these songs best for?
Most songs on this list are great for ages 3–12, though older kids and even teens will enjoy some of the pop hits too.
Inspirational Songs For Kids Bottom Line
Music is such a powerful parenting tool—and these inspirational songs for kids are some of the best.
Introducing your kids to the wonderful world of music is an amazing gift. It can help them improve their social skills, develop healthier bodies, and discover their hidden talents.
With so many wonderful benefits, music is a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Make sure to choose some amazing songs that are fun to listen to while also teaching your kids important lessons about kindness, honesty, and any other virtue you want to instill in your child.
📌 Planning a playlist for your kids? Save this post to your “Parenting Hacks” or “Kids Activities” board so you can find it when you need a mood boost!
