How To Encourage a Growth Mindset in Your Child

**Collaborative Post**

In today’s ever-changing world, developing a growth mindset is one of the most valuable skills a child can have. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. When children embrace this mindset, they become more resilient, motivated, and open to challenges. 

So how can parents encourage a growth mindset in their children? Here are some key strategies. 

1. Praise Effort, Not Just Results 

Results are just one tiny measure of your child, and you must remind them of this. Remind them of all the other talents they have, remind them that exams and results don't measure their amazing sporting or artistic skills, that exams can't see how kind, caring or helpful a person is and all of these attributes are what makes a person, not just a result on a piece of paper. Also when it does come to exams, try focusing on the effort made over the final result. Instead of saying, “You’re so smart!” try saying, “I love how hard you worked on that problem.” Praising effort reinforces the idea that success comes from persistence and practice, not just innate talent. 

2. Teach That Mistakes Are Learning Opportunities 

According to the best private school in Surrey, children with a growth mindset understand that mistakes are a natural part of learning. Encourage your child to see errors as stepping stones to improvement rather than failures. You can say, “What did you learn from this mistake?” to help them reflect and grow. Whenever my children take part in something such as a swim comp or a football match afterward I always ask them, "what did you do well today/what did you enjoy today?" and "what could you have improved today" there is always room for improvement, even when you are at the top and mistakes are part of building that improvement.

3. Encourage Challenges and Risk Taking 

Help your child see challenges as exciting opportunities rather than intimidating obstacles. Encourage them to try new things, even if they might struggle at first. Remind them that progress comes from pushing beyond their comfort zone. I always say to my children, how will you know you don't like it unless you try? and if you try it and you don't like it, that's fine, at least you can say you tried.

4. Use the Power of "Yet" 

If your child says, “I can’t do this,” add the word “yet.” This simple shift—“I can’t do this yet”—helps them understand that ability grows with time and effort. If those things we wanted to achieve were easy to get, everyone would have them and they therefore wouldn't be special. Working towards things is all part of the journey and actually, that journey is what makes us appreciate the ending all the more!

5. Be a Role Model for a Growth Mindset 

As an adult, it can be easy to feel stuck in a rut or to never really challenge ourselves, to busy with day-to-day life. However, children learn from what they see and look to parents to copy and take advice from. Show them how you embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and don't be afraid to let your hair down and show them you're having fun. When you face difficulties, talk about how you’re working through them, and don't be afraid to show them your real emotions and talk about how you are feeling, it will help them understand they can be open with you about how they are feeling too.

6. Foster a Love for Learning 

Encourage curiosity by asking open-ended questions, exploring new topics together, and making learning enjoyable. Encourage children to join clubs or do projects on new subjects rather than ones they would usually choose. Celebrate progress rather than perfection to help them stay motivated. 

7. Avoid Labels That Limit Potential 

Phrases like "You're bad at math" or "You're a natural artist" can unintentionally create fixed mindsets. Instead, focus on growth: "Math takes practice" or "You’ve improved so much in your drawings!" Encourage children to try new hobbies and sports too as they may find they fall in love with something they had never even tried before!

8. Encourage Resilience and Grit 

Help your child develop perseverance by reminding them that setbacks are temporary and that determination leads to success. Stories of famous figures who overcame failure, like Thomas Edison, can be inspiring examples. 

A growth mindset empowers children to embrace challenges, keep learning, and believe in their potential. By encouraging effort, resilience, and a love for learning, parents can set their children up for a lifetime of success and personal growth. 

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