Do you want your child to become a lifelong learner? This article will discuss how parents can help develop a growth mindset in children.
Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset
The phrase "growth mindset" was coined by Carol Dwayne, a professor at Stanford University. She believes that basic qualities such as like how smart you are or whether you’re good at math – are things you can change, through your own efforts and perseverance.
Developing a growth mindset in children can have a profound impact on their future success and happiness. A growth mindset is a belief that one's abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through effort and learning. Part of having a growth mindset is having a "can do" attitude, and being persistent.
This belief is opposed to a fixed mindset, which is the belief that one's abilities and intelligence are fixed and cannot be changed. People with a fixed mindset give up easily, thinking that they "Just can't do it."
Research has shown that people with a growth mindset are more likely to persevere in the face of challenges, learn from their mistakes, and achieve their goals. They are also more likely to be resilient, to be open to feedback, and to be self-motivated.
How to Develop a Growth Mindset in Children
If you want to help your child develop a growth mindset, here are 11 ways you can do so:
-
Praise effort and learning, not just ability.
This is where focusing on efforts and not on grades comes in. Instead of praising your child for being smart or talented, praise them for their hard work and dedication to learning. This will help them see that their abilities can be developed through effort.
For example, you could say "I'm so proud of how hard you've been working on that math problem. You must have put a lot of effort into it!"
-
Use growth mindset language.
Encourage your child to use growth mindset language, such as "I can learn this" or "I will try my best." This will help them see that their abilities are not fixed and can be improved through effort.
-
Help your child set goals.
Help your child set goals for themselves, and encourage them to work towards achieving those goals. This will help them see that they can improve their abilities and achieve their aspirations. It's good practice to sit down with your child and help them establish goals for the year.
-
Celebrate mistakes.
Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, celebrate them as opportunities for learning and growth. So don't make a fuss out of every single mistake your child makes. Encourage them to learn from their mistakes and use them as a stepping stone to improve their abilities.
For example, you could say "It's okay to make mistakes. In fact, making mistakes is a great way to learn and improve."
-
Provide a supportive learning environment.
Create a learning environment that is supportive and encourages effort and growth. This can include providing a quiet space for studying, offering resources and materials for learning, and providing support and encouragement when needed.
-
Encourage a growth mindset in other areas of life.
A growth mindset is not just about academic abilities, it can be applied to other areas of life as well. Encourage your child to have a growth mindset when it comes to their hobbies, sports, and social activities. Let them find their own interests and pursue a hobby that's not related to school.
-
Help your child see the value in learning.
Help your child see the value in learning, even if it is challenging or difficult. Encourage them to see learning as a lifelong process, not just something that happens in school.
-
Encourage a growth mindset in yourself.
As a parent, it is important to model a growth mindset for your child. Show them that you are willing to learn and grow, and encourage them to do the same. Use the language and exhibit the can-do attitude when faced with an obstacle.
-
Provide opportunities for learning and growth.
Provide your child with opportunities to learn and grow, such as enrolling them in extracurricular activities or exposing them to new experiences and challenges.
Moreover, research shows that when parents are quick to step in when their child faces an obstacle, kids are more likely to give up sooner on the next one. So don't be overbearing and let them figure out a way to complete or solve a problem.
-
Help your child find a like-minded community.
Encourage your child to surround themselves with people who have a growth mindset. This can include friends, teachers, and mentors who support and encourage learning and growth.
-
Encourage your child to take on challenges.
Help your child see that challenges are a normal and necessary part of learning and growing. Encourage them to try new things and to step out of their comfort zone. For example, you could say "It's okay to be scared of trying something new. That's how we learn and grow."
Overall, developing a growth mindset in children is essential for their success and well-being. By using these 11 strategies, parents can help their children develop a growth mindset and set them up for success in school and in life.