In a world that’s constantly changing, one of the most powerful gifts you can give your child is a growth mindset, the belief that intelligence, abilities, and talents can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. Children who embrace this mindset see challenges as opportunities, not obstacles, and are better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs. Let’s explore how you can help your child build this invaluable way of thinking. We’ve teamed up with a nursery in South West London.
- Praise Effort, Not Just Results
Children often hear praise like “You’re so smart!” or “You’re really good at that!” While well-intentioned, these statements can create a fixed mindset, the idea that ability is innate and unchangeable. Instead, focus your praise on effort, strategies, and progress.
Try saying:
- “I love how hard you worked on that.”
- “You tried different ways until it worked, that’s persistence!”
- “I can see how much you’ve improved!”
This helps your child associate success with effort, not natural ability.
- Model a Growth Mindset Yourself
Children learn by example. If you handle setbacks with frustration or self-criticism, they’ll internalize those habits. When you encounter challenges, talk about them openly and show your child how you work through them.
For example, say: “This was tricky for me, but I’ll keep trying, I know I can get better.”
When they see you embracing learning and resilience, they’ll start to do the same.
- Encourage Curiosity and Problem-Solving
Instead of giving your child the answers right away, guide them to think critically. Ask open-ended questions like:
- “What do you think would happen if…?”
- “How could we figure this out together?”
- “What’s another way to try this?”
This encourages creativity, patience, and confidence in their ability to solve problems, key ingredients for a growth mindset.
- Reframe Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
Help your child see that mistakes aren’t failures, they’re part of the learning process. When something goes wrong, discuss what they can learn and how they might approach it differently next time.
You could say: “Everyone makes mistakes, that’s how we grow. What can we do differently next time?” This shifts their perspective from disappointment to discovery.
- Cultivate a Love of Learning
Celebrate curiosity rather than perfection. Read together, explore new hobbies, and let your child pursue interests simply for the joy of learning. When children see learning as an exciting, lifelong adventure, they’ll stay motivated even when things get tough.
- Teach the Power of “Yet”
A small word with a big impact: “yet.” If your child says, “I can’t do this,” gently remind them to add “yet.” “I can’t do this… yet.” It reinforces the belief that their abilities can grow with time, effort, and practice.
Nurturing a growth mindset in your child takes patience and consistency, but the rewards are profound. You’re helping them develop resilience, curiosity, and confidence, qualities that will serve them for life.
By celebrating effort, modelling perseverance, and reframing challenges as opportunities, you’re setting the stage for your child to believe in their own potential and to approach the world with courage and optimism.
