Helping your child develop a growth mindset can set them up for lifelong success. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. When children embrace this way of thinking, they become more resilient, confident, and motivated to take on challenges.
This is a collaborative post
What Is a Growth Mindset?
The concept of a growth mindset was introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck. It contrasts with a fixed mindset, where people believe their intelligence and abilities are set in stone. A child with a fixed mindset may avoid challenges, fear failure, and give up easily. In contrast, a child with a growth mindset sees challenges as opportunities to learn and believes that effort leads to improvement.
Praise Effort, Not Just Results
This independent school in Surrey suggests that one of the most effective ways to encourage a growth mindset is through the type of praise you give. Instead of focusing solely on achievements, praise the effort, strategies, and persistence that led to progress. For example:
- Instead of saying, “You’re so smart!”, say, “I love how you kept trying different strategies until you solved the problem.”
- Instead of saying, “You’re a natural at this!”, say, “You worked really hard to master that skill.”
This helps children understand that success comes from effort rather than just talent.
Teach That Mistakes Are Opportunities to Learn
Children with a growth mindset see mistakes as part of the learning process. If your child is afraid of failing, reassure them that mistakes are valuable. You can:
- Share stories about your own mistakes and what you learned from them.
- Ask, “What can you learn from this?” when they face setbacks.
- Encourage them to reflect on what they can do differently next time.
This helps shift their perspective from seeing failure as something negative to something that helps them grow.
Encourage a Love for Challenges
Children who embrace challenges develop resilience and confidence. Encourage your child to step outside their comfort zone by:
- Offering puzzles, games, or activities that require problem-solving.
- Encouraging them to try new hobbies, even if they struggle at first.
- Praising their willingness to try, even if they don’t succeed immediately.
Remind them that learning something new often feels difficult at first but gets easier with practice.
Model a Growth Mindset
Children learn a lot from observing their parents. Show them what a growth mindset looks like by:
- Talking about challenges you face and how you work through them.
- Using phrases like, “I haven’t figured it out yet, but I will!”
- Demonstrating perseverance in your own learning and goals.
When children see you embracing challenges and learning from mistakes, they are more likely to do the same.
Foster a Positive Learning Environment
Create a home environment that encourages curiosity, learning, and perseverance by:
- Providing books, games, and activities that challenge them.
- Encouraging questions and discussions about different ways to solve problems.
- Avoiding pressure to be perfect and celebrating progress instead.
A supportive and encouraging environment helps children feel safe to take risks and try new things.
Developing a growth mindset takes time, but with encouragement and the right approach, your child can learn to embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and believe in their ability to improve. By fostering this mindset, you’re giving them a valuable skill that will benefit them throughout life.
How did I do?
Did you enjoy this post? If so, you should check out more of the ‘usual’ type of stuff I write. Honest, relatable rants about parenting three young boys. With a touch of swearing and a lot of sarcasm. You’ll like it! Check out my Mum Life section or head to my Travel Section for some UK family holiday and days out inspiration.
If you like a bit of social media madness, pop over to my Facebook page where you’ll be able to have a laugh at what ridiculousness goes on in my house with three boys on a daily basis. Warning – there is often sarcasm, and usually swearing. There are also great travel reviews and the odd giveaway. Feel free to join my Twins, Tantrums and Cold Coffee – Shits and Giggles Parenting Group too, where everyone shares their hilarious stories.
If you like what you see, how about you check me out on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok too.
And if you want to work with me, feel free to give me a shout at helen@twinstantrumsandcoldcoffee.com and I’ll get back to you.