Growing A Growth Mindset
“Mom, dad, I did it! I made it to the top!”
When we have a growth mindset, we believe that we can learn new things; that our brain is capable of tackling new skills; that we get smarter over time. A fixed mindset is the opposite. When we have a fixed mindset, we believe we are born with a propensity towards skills, and we cannot learn what we are not good at.
Developing a growth mindset in children is an important aspect of their overall development. A growth mindset emphasizes the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and perseverance. Here are some strategies you can use to cultivate a growth mindset in your child:
Teach the power of "yet": Encourage your child to understand that just because they haven't mastered a skill or concept yet doesn't mean they won't be able to do it in the future. Emphasize that with practice and effort, they can improve and achieve their goals. “Monkey bars are high. You can’t reach it yet, and you will over time when you keep trying.”
Praise effort and process: Instead of focusing solely on the outcome or end result, praise your child's efforts, hard work, and the strategies they use to solve problems. This helps them understand that their effort and approach matter more than immediate success.
“That was a great idea! The way you jumped up to reach the monkey bar, you’re so close!”
Encourage challenges and embrace failure: Encourage your child to take on challenges that push them out of their comfort zone. Help them see failures and setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as indicators of their abilities.
“I know it can be scary to climb to the very top. You can do it. I’m here to spot you if you need it.”
Provide constructive feedback: When offering feedback, focus on specific aspects that can be improved, and offer guidance on how to make those improvements. Encourage your child to see feedback as a valuable tool for growth, rather than as criticism.
“Swinging your legs will give you more motion to grab the next rung . That’s it, swing your legs back and forth. You’re getting it.”
Model a growth mindset: Children learn a lot by observing their parents and caregivers. Display a growth mindset in your own actions and language. Talk about your own challenges and how you overcome them through perseverance and learning.
“I followed the recipe but this bread dough is just not right. It didn’t rise enough. I’ll reread the recipe a few times and try again on Friday. I can ask Margo if I need a tip. She’s great at baking bread.”
Encourage curiosity and a love for learning: Foster a sense of curiosity in your child by encouraging them to ask questions, explore new topics, and pursue their interests. Help them understand that learning is a lifelong process, and mistakes are a natural part of the learning journey.
“You thought you could grab that rung and you missed and fell. It happens when you’re learning how to climb monkey bars. Are you okay? Take a break and try again. What do you think happened?”
Foster a positive learning environment: Create an environment that supports growth and learning. Encourage open communication, provide resources and tools for learning, and create opportunities for your child to collaborate with others.
Remember that developing a growth mindset is an ongoing process, and it may take time for your child to fully embrace it. Be patient, provide support, and celebrate their efforts and progress along the way.
