[AD] Having the right mindset can make all of the difference where progress is concerned. If your child lacks self-belief, they will likely have little motivation and a harder time working towards their goals. Therefore, it’s crucial to build their optimism and develop what is known as a “growth mindset”. This is the outlook that change is possible, and we have the power to improve our situation with time and effort. In this post we share guidance from a girls prep school in Surrey on how you can work towards this.
[Photo by Amy Treasure on Unsplash]
How to foster a growth mindset in your child
1. Challenge their way of thinking
If they lack the willpower and self-belief, challenge their way of thinking. We have what are called unhelpful thinking styles that make us question ourselves and believe the worst might happen. To get your child out of this way of thinking and help develop a growth mindset, tackle their individual thought processes, and understand why they feel the way they feel.
2. The way you deal with challenges
The way that you handle tricky situations can contribute to the mindset they develop. Children look up to their parents, so seeing you persevere and handle problems head on can help them to develop the same fighting spirit.
3. Set goals
What you should also do is set everyday goals. They don't need to be big and world-changing to begin with. Start with small things they can work towards each day and gradually increase them in difficulty. As they become harder, your child will need to apply more effort which will help them develop a “growth mindset”.
4. Change “no” to “not yet”
The words you choose to use also have an influence. For things they are not ready to do, instead of telling your child they cannot do them, explain they are “not yet” ready.
Reassurance is just as important as pushing your child. Be encouraging, yet understanding, and try to avoid setting too difficult a challenge.
