The term ‘Growth Mindset’ has become increasingly popular recently, especially within the parenting community. But what is it? And how do we encourage children to adopt it from as young as possible?
We’re joined by Becca from The Noisy Book Club who’s here to share the best ways you can use a Growth Mindset in your parenting style.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler?
There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
‘I’m bad at this’ vs. ‘If I keep practising, I can get better’
According to psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, we can approach life with two very different mindsets (ways of thinking). With a Fixed Mindset, we think our skills are determined at birth. With a Growth Mindset, we believe that with practice and effort, we’ll get better at things.
Why does this matter for children? Because it shapes how they approach challenges and learning, both now, and throughout life.
Imagine that a child is trying to build a tower of blocks, and it falls over.
A child with a Fixed Mindset may:
- Think: ‘I can’t do this.’
- Believe: ‘I’m bad at building towers.’
- Feel: Upset that they can’t build towers.
- Behave: Doesn’t want to build towers any more.
A child with a Growth Mindset may:
- Think: ‘It didn’t work this time.’
- Believe: ‘I need to find a different way to do this.’
- Feel: Curious about how to make it stay upright.
- Behave: Tries another way.
With Fixed Mindset thinking, children are more likely to give up and avoid things, so of course they can’t improve. With Growth Mindset thinking, children believe they can get better and behave accordingly; and this becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
In this article, we’ll explore the basic idea of Growth Mindset thinking, and look at some practical strategies to help you nurture a Growth Mindset in your child.
What Is A Growth Mindset?
A Growth Mindset means believing that we can become more intelligent, skilled, and able if we show up, put in the time, and practice.
A Fixed Mindset means believing that abilities are innate— we’re either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ at something, and we can’t change it.
- Fixed Mindset: “I can’t draw elephants.”
- Growth Mindset: “If I keep practising, I can learn to draw elephants.”
We want our children to be able to recognise their own Fixed Mindset thoughts and change them to Growth Mindset. Research shows that children with a Growth Mindset are way more resilient, motivated, and open to challenges. Why does this matter? Because life is full of bumps in the road; they’re a vital part of any learning process. When children are tiny, we are programmed to protect them from dangers. But as they grow, we want to teach them to be able to bounce back from setbacks.
The great news? Mindsets are not fixed. Research into neuroplasticity shows that we can rewire our brains to think differently — at any age. (Even adults.) We can change our mindsets through language, our environment, and a little bit of practice.
5 Things You Can Do To Help Your Child Develop A Growth Mindset
1. Praise Effort And Process, Not Just Talent Or Outcomes
Try swapping, ‘You’re so clever!’ for, ‘You worked so hard on that!’
This helps children focus on learning and improving, rather than worrying about being ‘naturally good’ or avoiding things they find difficult. It’s easier (and way more productive) for children to be determined and focused than to try to reach perfection each time.
Instead of saying, ‘Wow, you’re amazing at puzzles!’, try: ‘I love how you kept trying different pieces until you found the right one!’
2. Normalize Mistakes (Theirs And Yours)
Mistakes are an essential part of learning. They show children that getting things wrong = growing.
When your child makes a mistake, instead of saying, ‘That’s wrong,’ you could try: “That didn’t work—what could we try instead?”
Share your own mistakes. Let children know adults make them too and that’s normal. For example: ‘Oops, I burned the toast! Next time, I’ll keep an eye on the timer.’
3. Use The Power Of ‘Yet’
Every time your child says, ‘I can’t do this’, try adding “…yet.”
It’s so effective.
“You can’t do it yet, but with practice, you’ll get better!”
If they struggle with tying shoes, remind them how they once struggled with walking, but they kept at it and look at them now.
4. Encourage Problem-Solving
It’s very easy to jump in to fix things, but instead try to ask guiding questions:
- “What could you try instead?”
- “What do you think would happen if…?”
This helps children build confidence in their own abilities, and eventually, they will internalise those questions.
5. Read Books That Promote Growth Mindset
Stories are a brilliant way to reinforce these ideas, and there are so many great ones out there. My favourites include:
- Almost Anything by Sophy Henn
- Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
- Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
The Impact Of A Growth Mindset On Young Children
- A Growth Mindset helps children develop resilience, confidence, and love for learning. This ultimately improves their emotional wellbeing, academic success, and ability to handle challenges.
- School readiness & beyond: Growth Mindset thinking helps with academic subjects, the arts, sports, and even social skills. When I was a primary school teacher, Growth Mindset was the first thing I taught my classes in September. The more resilient children are, the happier and more motivated they are to learn.
For example: A child who struggles with reading but believes they can improve will keep trying. A child with a Fixed Mindset may avoid books or be too consumed by bad feelings to concentrate when reading.
Final Thoughts & Encouragement
Parenting is full of moments when we can reinforce Growth Mindset thinking. Building towers together, playing in the bath, making dinner.
Remember: Growth Mindset isn’t just for kids! Working on our own mindsets teaches our children that we too are making that effort. And children learn from what they see us do.
Teaching children about Growth Mindset can be done through small, simple steps. It’s slow-burn rather than quick-fix, but if you keep at it, you will see your child start to internalise these ideas, and even start calling you out. Then you know you’re really onto something.
To get more practical tips on raising resilient kids, sign up for my weekly newsletter!
Ready to teach your child how to build resilience? Mindset Made Easy is my step-by-step programme designed to do just this. It’s done via WhatsApp and fits around your (busy!) parenting schedule.
Want to chat more about Growth Mindset and your family? I’m always happy to talk – get in touch. 🙂
Thank You To Becca – The Noisy Book Club
Mum of two, lover of rubbish TV and expert in picking up (but rarely seeing through) new hobbies – Becca turned her school into a Growth Mindset school, training over 1,000 pupils, staff and parents/carers who signed up for the ride. Since then, she’s taught Growth Mindset to all the kids I’ve taught – and their parents!
Following her maternity leave, and looking for some flexibility, she started the Noisy Book Club to teach parents some of the tips and tricks from the classroom, to help them raise their child to be a happy, confident and enthusiastic learner.
Check out the Noisy Book Club here!
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
If You Found This Post Useful, You May Also Like:
Parenting Is Emotional: How to Manage Your Child’s Tears (And Yours)
How To Check On Your Baby And Toddler’s Mental Health
What Is A Play Therapist (And How Could They Help Your Child)?
0 Comments