We all have beliefs about our own abilities and potential – so do kids. These beliefs form part of our mindset, which is so powerful that they affect how we interpret our life experiences, drive our behaviours and predict our success.
According to research by American psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, there are broadly two types of mindsets that both children and adults may adopt about their own capabilities: growth and fixed mindsets.
Just like how muscles can grow and develop the more you exercise and train them, our brains go through the same process. When we are struggling to lift a weight, we are setting our bodies up to develop muscles to become stronger.
Similarly, when kids are struggling to grasp a concept or master a skill, they are setting up their brain’s capability to grow in response to their efforts. However, when kids are trapped in a fixed mindset, they tend to shy away from challenging tasks, believing that they can never master the task if they lack the natural ability. Hence, they may often lack the opportunity to train and strengthen their (brain) muscles, cognitive abilities, and skill levels.
Teaching a growth mindset to kids as a parent or caregiver can be challenging but it could be one of the most rewarding contributions you make towards their wellbeing and success.
One of the key ways you communicate that belief is through the language you use. Our language when talking to them can exert a profound impact on their attitude and mindset. By using growth mindset phrases, you can help your children learn that success comes from effort and practice, not just intelligence, teaching them to value effort over ease.
Additionally, studies have found that praising kids for their effort, rather than for “being smart” or “talented”, helps them cultivate a growth mindset. Phrases that compliment children for their hard work (aka a growth mindset) will encourage them to put in more effort to achieve their goals, even if it does not come naturally to them.
