Have you ever learned something new? What steps did you take to master it? Now think of a time you faced failure. How did it feel, and what did you do next? Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist and professor at Stanford University, has studied how these moments shape our beliefs about learning and intelligence. Her research shows that how we think about our abilities—whether we see them as fixed or capable of growth—can significantly impact our success.
What Is a Growth Mindset?
Dr. Dweck’s research identifies two primary perspectives about learning and intelligence:
Fixed Mindset: This perspective assumes that intelligence, talents, and abilities are unchangeable. In other words, people with a fixed mindset believe they are either “good” or “bad” at something and that little can be done to change it.
Growth Mindset: This view sees the brain as a muscle that grows stronger with effort and practice. People with a growth mindset believe that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work, perseverance, and learning from mistakes.
Why Does a Growth Mindset Matter for Children?
A growth mindset helps children understand that their abilities can grow with effort and persistence. It empowers them to see mistakes and challenges, not as failures, but as opportunities to learn. For example, while babies learn to walk or talk at different times, all babies eventually learn. Similarly, children’s learning paths may vary, but with the right strategies and support, every child can grow.
Having a growth mindset encourages children to:
Embrace challenges.
Persevere through setbacks.
Value effort as the path to mastery.
Learn from constructive feedback.
Find inspiration in others' success.
By fostering a growth mindset, we help children build resilience, confidence, and a love of learning.
How Can I Help My Child Develop a Growth Mindset?
Here are some practical ways to support your child:
Praise the Process, Not the Outcome.
Instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” focus on the effort and strategies your child used. For example, say, “I’m proud of how hard you worked to figure this out!” This reinforces the idea that success comes from effort and persistence, not innate ability.
Model a Growth Mindset.
Reflect on your own thoughts and actions. Are you modeling a growth mindset in how you talk about challenges? Share your own learning experiences with your child, including mistakes you’ve made and how you overcame them.
Teach the Power of Yet.
Add the word yet to your vocabulary. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” encourage your child to say, “I can’t do this yet.” This simple shift helps them see that learning is a journey.
Normalize Mistakes.
Talk about mistakes as part of the learning process. Ask your child, “What did you learn from this?” and “What can you try differently next time?”
Encourage Problem-Solving and Help-Seeking.
When your child encounters a challenge, guide them to think of solutions, identify resources, or ask for help. This builds independence and resilience.
Celebrate Effort and Progress.
Celebrate small wins and recognize progress, even when the ultimate goal hasn’t been reached yet.
Activity: The Power of Yet
Think of something you or your child want to learn but haven’t mastered yet (e.g., riding a bike, solving a difficult math problem, or learning to bake).
Write down specific steps to achieve this goal.
Identify materials, resources, or people who can help.
Discuss potential challenges and brainstorm strategies to overcome them.
Celebrate every step of progress along the way!
Recommended Books to Read with Your Child
Parent Resource
By encouraging a growth mindset at home, you can help your child develop resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Together, we can help our children embrace challenges and see their potential for growth!
