What is growth mindset?
Growth mindset is a belief and mindset that that intelligence can be developed. The brain is like a muscle and it can grow and learn especially from challenges and mistakes. The opposite of a growth mindset is a fixed mindset. Those with a fixed mindset believe you are either smart or not. Fixed mindset focuses on looking smart over learning, and interpret mistakes as a sign that there is lack talent. The research on growth mindset began with Dr. Carol Dweck and has shed light on the importance of this quality for adults and children alike.
Why is it important?
Teaching children about growth mindset is so important to their success, self-esteem and happiness. It allows them to take risks and embrace challenges. There is now science to prove that it’s okay to make mistakes and the important part is to continue to try.
How I help my child develop a growth mindset?
There are many ways to help your child develop a growth mindset.
Language: “Yet” is the key word when it comes to teaching growth mindset. When your child is having a hard time with a task and says, “I can’t do it.” Teach them to add “yet” to the end of the sentence. Remind them, by saying, “Yet. You can’t do it, yet.” These affirmations from Big Life Journal are great. You can have your child pick their favorite three and say them in the morning and before going to bed.
Model: Make sure to address your mistakes and challenges out loud and with a growth mindset. Some families go around the dinner table every night and talk about a mistake they made to normalize mistakes and let their children know that is part of the process.
Books: Here are my favorite books to learn about and encourage growth mindset. I love Big Life Journal for their amazing resources and activities. This is the go to resource for teaching kids about growth mindset.
Videos: Here are videos to help introduce the concept.
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