Helping your child develop a growth mindset sets them up for a lifetime of resilience, motivation, and self-belief. Here are some tips from a prep school in Kent on how to foster that mindset in everyday life.
1. Praise Effort, Not Just Results
Instead of saying “You’re so smart,” say “You worked really hard on that.” Praising effort, strategy, and persistence helps children value the process of learning, not just the outcome. This builds grit and helps them understand that progress comes through dedication, not innate ability.
Try this: When your child completes a puzzle or project, ask “What part was hardest for you?” or “How did you figure that out?”
2. Celebrate Mistakes as Opportunities to Learn
Children with a growth mindset see mistakes as part of learning — not as failures. When your child stumbles, resist the urge to correct immediately. Instead, ask what they could try differently next time.
Try this: Create a family ritual like “Mistake of the Day” where everyone shares something they got wrong and what they learned from it.
3. Use the Power of “Yet”
Words matter. When a child says, “I can’t do this,” teach them to add “yet.” “I can’t do this yet” keeps the door open for growth and reinforces the idea that abilities can improve over time.
Try this: Make “yet” a family keyword. You can even make a poster of it for the fridge or homework area.
4. Model a Growth Mindset Yourself
Children learn more from what you do than what you say. Let them see you struggling, learning, and persisting. Talk openly about your own challenges and what you're doing to overcome them.
Try this: Say things like, “This is tricky for me, but I’m going to keep trying,” or “I made a mistake, but now I know what to do better.”
5. Encourage Curiosity and Problem Solving
Give your child space to explore and figure things out without stepping in too quickly. When they hit a wall, resist rescuing — instead, ask questions that guide them to find solutions.
Try this: When they say “I don’t know,” respond with, “What could you try?” or “Where could we look for the answer?”
6. Read Books That Reinforce Growth Mindset Themes
Stories are powerful tools for shaping beliefs. Choose books where characters grow, face challenges, and show perseverance.
Try this: Great options include “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires, “Beautiful Oops!” by Barney Saltzberg, and “The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes” by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein.
A growth mindset isn’t something you teach once — it’s something you live daily. Through your language, your reactions, and your example, you can help your child embrace challenges, learn from failure, and believe in their own potential. The most powerful lesson you can teach them is this: They are always growing.
K Elizabeth xoxox
*Collaborative Post
No comments
Post a Comment