Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and other abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. People with a growth mindset are more likely to:

• Embrace challenges

• Persist in the face of setbacks

• See effort as a path to mastery

• Learn from criticism

• Find inspiration in the success of others

• Love learning

• Be resilient

• View failures as opportunities for growth

The term, first coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes the power of "yet"—the idea that even if a skill isn’t mastered yet, with time and effort, progress is always possible.

Unlike a fixed mindset, which assumes abilities are static, a growth mindset encourages children to embrace challenges, view failures as opportunities to grow, and continuously strive to improve.

When researched among individuals, researchers found that Individuals who believed their talents could be developed through hard work, good strategies, and input from others (growth mindset) tended to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts). This is because they worry less about looking smart and put more energy into learning.

 

Therefore, fostering a growth mindset in children is essential for their emotional resilience and academic success. Children are more likely to take on challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and develop a love of learning when they believe that they can improve through hard work. This mindset not only boosts confidence but also equips children with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world by helping them see obstacles as stepping stones rather than barriers.

 

So how can we cultivate a growth mindset in children?

Parents play a crucial role in cultivating a growth mindset in their children. By focusing on effort, modeling persistence, and teaching positive self-talk, parents can help their children embrace challenges and see failures as opportunities for development. Here are four key steps to fostering a growth mindset in children.

 

1. Praise Effort Over Results

Focus on recognizing effort, strategies, and perseverance rather than results, achievements, or innate abilities. Use phrases like,

"I’m proud of how hard you worked"

instead of

"I’m proud of your A+ mark"

This teaches children that improvement comes from dedication and practice and that the most important thing is not how things turned out but the time, effort, and hard work they put into the task. Celebrate even small progress to reinforce the importance of effort and improvement and shift focus away from results whether they are good or bad.

 

2. Reframe Mistakes

Reframe mistakes as learning opportunities. Help your child see mistakes as a natural part of learning and life rather than something negative to fear or avoid. Instead of focusing on what went wrong and the negative outcome or results, ask reflective questions like,

"What did you learn from that?" or

"What would you do differently next time?"

This approach normalizes setbacks and encourages children to view challenges as stepping stones to growth rather than barriers.

 

3. Teach Positive Self-Talk

Help your child develop a habit of using encouraging and constructive self-talk. Teach them to

replace thoughts like "I’ll never get this"

with empowering alternatives such as "I can figure this out if I keep trying"

Positive self-talk reinforces the idea that their abilities can grow with effort and helps them approach challenges with resilience and determination. This skill will not only build their confidence but also support them in navigating obstacles throughout life.

 

4. Model a Growth Mindset

Finally, you can show your child what a growth mindset looks like in action by modelling a growth mindset by:

• Talking about obstacles you’ve faced and how persistence and learning helped you overcome them.
• Discussing the things you learned from challenging situations and mistakes.
• Taking on tasks that may seem difficult or challenging to encourage your child to step outside their comfort zone.
• Providing support by breaking down large goals into manageable steps, teaching them to approach challenges with confidence and optimism.

 

Bonus step

Incorporate a fun tool like Purrfect Pursuit! Games like Purrfect Pursuit can also nurture a growth mindset by prompting children to reflect on their efforts, challenges, and achievements. Questions such as

“What’s something you’re proud of trying?” or

“How did you handle a tricky situation?”

encourage introspection and celebrate perseverance. By fostering an environment where progress is valued and challenges are embraced, parents can empower children to believe in their ability to grow, learn, and succeed.