Nurturing a Growth Mindset in Children

Developing a growth mindset in children is important for their overall well-being and success. Here are some tips to help nurture a growth mindset in children:

1. Encourage Effort and Persistence

Praise children for their efforts and perseverance rather than innate abilities. Show them that hard work and perseverance lead to growth and achievement.

2. Emphasize Learning from Mistakes

Teach children that mistakes are opportunities for learning and growth. Encourage them to see mistakes as a natural part of the learning process.

3. Provide Challenging Tasks

Offer children tasks and activities that challenge them and require effort. This helps them understand that taking on challenges is a pathway to improvement.

4. Model a Growth Mindset

Children learn by example, so demonstrate a growth mindset in your own actions and attitudes. Show them how you approach challenges with determination and resilience.

5. Use "Yet" and "Not Yet"

Encourage the use of positive language by using phrases like "I can't do it yet" instead of "I can't do it." This simple shift in language reinforces the idea of progress and future success.

6. Foster Curiosity

Encourage children to ask questions, explore new ideas, and seek out new experiences. Curiosity is the foundation of a growth mindset.

7. Provide Constructive Feedback

When giving feedback, focus on specific strategies and efforts rather than general praise or criticism. This helps children understand that they can improve through specific actions.

8. Discuss Role Models

Share stories of individuals who have overcome obstacles and achieved success through dedication and effort. This can inspire children to adopt a similar mindset.

Nurturing a growth mindset in children is a process that requires patience and consistent effort, but the long-term benefits for their personal and academic growth are immeasurable. For more information regarding fostering a growth mindset see the work of Carol Dweck.

Sunshine Coast Play Therapist plays with a child in early childhood providing Paediatric Allied Health Therapy. Child counselling via play-based interventions supports children’s mental health, and emotional development and provides family support. — Nurturing a Growth Mindset - Inspiring Play: Sunshine Coast Play Therapy Queensland

To develop these tips, I drew upon on the following references:

Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
Mueller, C. M., & Dweck, C. S. (1998). Praise for intelligence can undermine children's motivation and performance. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75(1), 33–52.
Kamins, M. L., & Dweck, C. S. (1999). Person versus process praise and criticism: Implications for contingent self-worth and coping. Developmental Psychology, 35(3), 835–847.

Nurturing a Growth Mindset