As parents, educators, and caregivers, we all want the children in our lives to be successful and
happy. One way to help them achieve this is by instilling a growth mindset, which is the belief that
intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Here
are some tips for boosting a growth mindset in children:
- Praise effort, not intelligence
When you praise children for their intelligence, you send the message that their abilities are fixed
and cannot be improved. Instead, praise their effort and hard work. For example, instead of saying,
“You’re so smart,” say, “I can see how hard you worked on that project.” - Encourage risk-taking
Children with a growth mindset are more likely to take risks and try new things because they see
failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Encourage your children to take risks and try new
things, even if they are not sure they will succeed. If they do fail, help them see it as a learning
opportunity and encourage them to try again. - Emphasize the power of “yet”
When children say they can’t do something, add the word “yet” to the end of the sentence. For
example, “I can’t do math” becomes “I can’t do math yet.” This simple addition helps children
understand that they can develop their skills over time with practice and effort. - Model a growth mindset
Children learn by example, so it’s important to model a growth mindset in your own life. Share
stories of times when you struggled with something and how you overcame it with hard work and
dedication. Talk about the importance of learning from mistakes and embracing challenges. - Encourage a love of learning
Children with a growth mindset are more likely to enjoy learning because they see it as a way to
improve themselves. Encourage your children to pursue their interests and find joy in learning new
things. Help them set goals and work towards them with dedication and perseverance.
By fostering a growth mindset in children, you are giving them the tools they need to succeed in
school and in life. With hard work and dedication, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.