The concept of a “Growth Mindset” comes from Carol Dweck, psychologist and motivation researcher at Standford University. Dweck’s book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success has had a major impact on education in the last decade. In her book, Dweck outlines two types of mindsets: Fixed and Growth Mindsets. And she asks the question:
“What are the consequences of thinking that your intelligence or personality is something you can develop, as opposed to something that is a fixed, deep-seated trait?”
It turns out the consequences are quite substantial! In studying students who show resiliency and can bounce back after a setback, they tended to have a growth mindset.
What is a growth mindset? It is exactly what it says — a mindset that believes in growth! I believe I can improve. I can grow in my knowledge and understanding; I can learn from my mistakes; I can master new skills and acquire new understandings. With effort, my mind can grow! A fixed mindset on the other hand believes intelligence is set by genetics and individuals have little power to change this. As you can see below in the graphic by Nigel Holmes, this difference in mindset can have a large impact on our children’s success!
What does this mean for parents?
Here are 3 ideas for things that you can do it help nurture a growth mindset in your children.
- Praising Effort – Nurturing a growth mindset starts with how we praise our children! Do we praise effort or achievement?
Praising Effort
“Well done, I can see you worked very hard on that assignment. Are you proud of it?”
“Wow, look how hard you are trying to color in the lines.”
“Oh neat, you really had to stop and think about getting all the toys in the right color basket. When you made a mistake you just kept trying!”
Praising Achievement
“Well done you got it in the basket.”
“Wow, I you colored in the lines.”
“Oh neat, you got all the toys in the basket.”
“Great job on your test you got an A.”
Dweck says, “This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments, everyone can change and grow through application and experience.”
2. Malleablilty – Teach your child about brain plasticity! The brain is malleable! Our brain’s plasticity decreases to some extent as we age, but even Nanas, Papas, and old dogs can learn new tricks! This is one of the key components to developing a growth mindset.
3. The Power of Yet – When your child melts on the floor “I can’t do it!” Encourage them to change their language “No, not yet you can’t but with a little more time and practice you will be able to!” While we were driving in the car recently, my son (4) was asking me about saying the letter F– his F sounds still sound like a W. I was explaining where you put your teeth on your lip. He said, “I can’t do that yet, but I will learn someday!” With that attitude, he sure will!
More Resources
For more on Growth Mindset, check out these resources as well as Carol Dweck herself with her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, and her Ted Talk.
WGU – 8 Steps to Develop a Growth Mindset
Dweck’s Book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success