Five Psychological Techniques to Encourage Growth Mindset in Children
Growth mindset is a term developed by psychologist Carole Dweck that describes the belief that one’s abilities, skills, and intelligence can be developed with effort.
This mindset often contrasts with what Dweck calls a ‘fixed mindset,’ which describes a belief that one’s abilities are static or unable to be changed. Studies have found that adults and children who often endorse a growth mindset tend to have a greater sense of efficacy, productivity, and resilience to setback. A growth mindset has also been correlated with improved mental health and interpersonal relationship outcomes. As such, many psychologists, educators, and parents have found the cultivation of a growth mindset in children to be a powerful tool for children to overcome challenges and embrace lifelong learning.
Here are five psychological techniques parents can use to foster this mindset in their children:
- Praise Effort and Progress, Not Outcomes
Instead of focusing on results, celebrate the effort a child puts into their work and the progress they do make. This is not to deny the importance of outcomes for children. After all, grades, accomplishing chores, and completing tasks successfully are crucial in their own way. However, good results often come from learning effective problem-solving strategies and ways to overcome setbacks and obstacles, and these are what you should try and praise. For instance, instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” try saying, “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that task.” This reinforces the idea that success is achieved through perseverance, dedication, and learning rather than innate talent. - Normalize Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
It is hard for many people (even adults!) to learn from our mistakes. Many often see mistakes as failures or a sign that something went wrong. However, mistakes are often when we can learn the most. Helping children see mistakes as a natural and valuable part of growth can help cultivate effective problem-solving skills. When your child makes an error, discuss what they can learn from it and how they can improve. For example, you might say, “What do you think went wrong, and how can you try a different approach next time?” This teaches resilience and adaptability. - Encourage Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Give your child space to solve problems independently and allow them to make mistakes. As a parent or educator, you can help them identify ways they can solve their own problems. For example, rather than providing immediate solutions to a problem for your child, encourage them to brainstorm ways to tackle a problem. Ask open-ended questions like, “What steps do you think you could take to solve this?” This helps them build confidence in their ability to face challenges independently. - Model a Growth Mindset Yourself
Children are sponges. They are always learning through observation. Whether it is their peers, their teachers, or their parents. One of the best ways of teaching a growth mindset is modeling it yourself. Share examples of when you’ve faced challenges and how you worked to overcome them. For instance, if you’re learning a new skill, talk about the struggles and progress you’re making. Or, when you make mistakes, be open with your children and show them how you learned from them. Demonstrate to them that growth is a continuous process for everyone, even adults! - Foster a Love of Learning
Whether in the household or classroom, it is important to create an environment that values curiosity and exploration. It is through engagement with new situations, challenges, and other people that we continue to grow. Provide opportunities for your child to try new activities and take on challenges that interest them. Celebrate the journey of learning, whether it’s mastering a musical instrument, experimenting with a science kit, or reading a new book. This can help children learn to be curious and want to learn more.
By incorporating these strategies into daily interactions, parents and educators can empower their children to embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and develop a lasting belief in their ability to grow and improve. A growth mindset can enhance academic success and build resilience and a positive approach to life.
