How to Encourage Growth Mindset in your Child

1. Talk about the brain.  
   Talk about how the brain can work like a muscle. The more you use it, just like exercise, the stronger it gets.
2. Use mistakes as teaching opportunities. 
   Mistakes are okay. In fact, that’s where learning really happens. That mindset is one to model and to speak out loud. When you make a mistake, talk about it and share what you learned. When your child makes a mistake, don’t criticize.  Steer the conversation to what was learned and remind your child that mistakes are opportunities to learn.
3. Teach your child the power of “yet”.
   Adding one little word on the end of a sentence sends a powerful message. “I don’t know how to do that” is very different than “I don’t know how to do that yet.” “Yet” sends the message that I will be able to do that or that I can learn how to do that.
4. Praise. 
   Instead of praising a general statement such as “you are smart” or “you did a good job”, be specific. “You studied hard for your test.” “You were persistent and kept trying even when it was challenging.”  Specific praise shows that the effort was noticed, not just the result.
5. Be a role model 
   Use growth mindset concepts and language in what you do and say. Our children are watching and listening, and often that can be the easiest way for them to learn these concepts. An added benefit is that a growth mindset is good for you too!
6. Have your child set S.M.A.R.T. Goals              

• S = Specific: Think of the who, what, when, where, why
• M = Measurable: How will I know if I reach my goal?
• A = Achievable: Is it realistic? Can I accomplish it?
• R = Relevant: How will it help? What is the benefit?
• T = Timely: When do I want to be able to do this?

7. Journaling
   Journaling can be a great tool for growth mindset. Journaling, along with positive affirmations, give a place for learning and practicing growth mindset in children.

This blog post was written by Post Adopt Coordinator, Brittney Engelhard, LBSW

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