Supporting the Development of a Growth Mindset in Children

Explore strategies for fostering resilience and a love of learning by helping children view challenges as opportunities for growth.

1. Reframing Praise and Feedback. Research by psychologists suggests that the way we praise children can influence how they perceive their own capabilities. Parents who emphasize the process—highlighting effort, strategy, and persistence—often find that their children become more resilient when faced with difficult tasks. Instead of focusing on intelligence or natural talent, which can lead to a fear of failure, some families choose to celebrate the steps taken to overcome an obstacle. This does not mean avoiding praise altogether, but rather being intentional about what is being reinforced. When a child succeeds, discussing the specific strategies they used to get there can help them replicate that success in future situations. Conversely, when a child struggles, framing the experience as a 'not yet' rather than a permanent limitation can keep the door open for future progress.
2. Modeling a Growth-Oriented Approach. Children often observe how their caregivers respond to their own mistakes and frustrations. When adults openly acknowledge their own learning curves, it creates a family culture where imperfection is viewed as a natural part of being human. Parents might share instances where they encountered a setback at work or in a hobby and explain what they learned from the experience. By normalizing the existence of challenges, parents can help children understand that struggle is not a sign of incompetence, but a signal that growth is occurring. This approach encourages children to view their brains as muscles that strengthen with use, rather than fixed entities that are either 'smart' or 'not smart' at a particular subject.