Every parent wants their child to thrive, not just in school, but in life. One of the most powerful tools to help them do that is a growth mindset. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, the term refers to the belief that intelligence, abilities, and talents can be developed through effort, practice, and perseverance. Encouraging this way of thinking from an early age can make a world of difference in how your child approaches challenges, learning, and success.
What Is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is the opposite of a fixed mindset. A child with a fixed mindset believes that their abilities are set in stone, for example, thinking “I’m just not good at maths” or “I’ll never be good at drawing.” In contrast, a child with a growth mindset understands that skills can be improved with effort, good strategies, and guidance.
This simple shift in thinking can have a profound impact. It helps children see mistakes as opportunities to learn, rather than as failures. They become more resilient, more curious, and better equipped to tackle life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Encourage Effort, Not Just Results
Praise is powerful, but how you praise your child matters. Instead of focusing on the outcome (“You got an A – well done!”), this prep school in Essex recommends highlightingtheir effort and approach:
• “I can see you worked really hard on that project.”
• “You didn’t give up, even when it was tricky.”
By praising effort, strategy, and persistence, you reinforce the idea that success comes from hard work and dedication, not just innate talent. This helps children understand that improvement is always possible.
Normalise Mistakes and Challenges
Children often fear failure, especially if they think mistakes reflect their abilities. Teaching them that errors are part of learning can completely change their attitude.
Try discussing times when you’ve made mistakes and what you learnt from them. Encourage your child to do the same by asking questions like, “What could you try differently next time?” or “What did you learn from this?” Over time, this helps them become more comfortable with challenges and more confident in trying again.
Use the Word “Yet”
A small but powerful word to add to your child’s vocabulary is yet. When they say, “I can’t do this,” encourage them to reframe it as, “I can’t do this yet.” That single word shifts their focus from limitation to potential, reminding them that with time and effort, they can improve.
Model a Growth Mindset Yourself
Children learn most from what they see. If you approach challenges with a positive and open attitude, they’re likely to mirror that behaviour. Show curiosity, express excitement about learning something new, and don’t be afraid to admit when something is difficult.
For example, you might say, “I’m finding this tricky, but I’ll keep practising,” or “I made a mistake, but now I know how to do it better.” Your words and actions show that learning is a lifelong process.
Helping your child develop a growth mindset is one of the best gifts you can give them. It nurtures resilience, curiosity, and a love of learning, qualities that will benefit them throughout life. By praising effort, embracing mistakes, and modelling persistence, you can empower your child to believe that they are always capable of growing and achieving more.