The growth mindset is a theory developed by Carol Dweck, a celebrated psychologist at Stanford University and author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Her work over the last 10 years has established the existence of two mindsets – a Growth Mindset and a Fixed Mindset.
Parents, this quick test is for you!
01
Do you think intelligence and talent are inherent qualities? That you are born with them?
OR
02
Do you believe you can do anything with grit, hard work, and resilience?
If your answer is yes to the first question, then it's likely that you have a fixed mindset.
If your answer is yes to the second question, then it's likely that you have a growth mindset. Having a growth mindset can achieve success in ways you never dreamed of.
You may have figured out your child's learning style, but if you are also able to cultivate a growth mindset in your child, you will raise a successful kid, a high achiever in school and beyond. That's the power of a growth mindset.
Before we talk about how to develop a growth mindset in your child, let's understand the difference between growth mindsets and fixed mindsets.
Believes that challenges are learning opportunities and that failure is an opportunity for growth.
Focuses on progress and process and are always on the lookout for opportunities to push their limits.
Embodies a passion for learning.
People with this mindset do not have the hunger for approval. They believe that the basic qualities can be cultivated through efforts.
Believes that you are limited to your talents, skills, and traits.
Focuses on the limitations and concludes that they can’t possibly learn anything new.
Avoids difficult situations and refuses to accept challenges.
People with this mindset evaluate every situation to see if they will succeed or fail and look smart or dumb.
People with a growth mindset learn that
- Trying and failing is part of the process
- Learning involves stumbling, correcting, and growing
- You don’t have to know everything
- You’re always a learner; you are always a beginner
- Life is a continuous learning process
- Putting in efforts and building your skills are important than having talent
3 Ways To Foster A Growth Mindset For Kids
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Use encouragement and not praise
How you respond to your child's efforts is going to decide your child's likelihood to succeed. Keep in mind that encouragement should not be confused with praise. Encouragement is acknowledgement without judgement, whereas praise focuses on what is believed to be their natural talents or traits. Staying focused on your child's efforts will help them succeed.
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Setbacks are opportunities to learn and grow
How we respond to our child's setbacks, challenges, and failures is one of the key factors that decide their future success. Problems and setbacks present a perfect opportunity to encourage your child to come up with solutions. Offer help only if needed.
Be a parent with a growth mindset
It's important that you model your own learning, growing and making mistakes with your child. Share the challenges you face, the setbacks you experience and how you overcome them. Your child will love to hear your stories and learn from them.
What to Say and What Not to Say to Your Child [With Reasons]
SAY THIS
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
DON’T SAY THIS
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
“I have seen you work so hard on this!”
Why: It helps your child understand that you value the efforts
A growth mindset comes easily to some people, while some may have to cultivate it. Having said that, a growth mindset for kids is a potential success story. So, help your child experience it.
Developing a growth mindset for kids is an ongoing process, which involves learning from their mistakes, getting and taking feedback from others, and finding new ways to approach difficult tasks. But it's a valuable way to help your child learn that failing at something shouldn't stop them from working to improve. Setbacks in life can actually provide a way forward and help discover new talents.
It’s not about how skilled your child is! It’s about how skilled you want your child to be! Help your child celebrate grow immensely with PlanetSpark.
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