A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can improve with effort, learning, and perseverance. When children develop a growth mindset, they become more resilient, confident, and open to challenges. Instead of fearing failure, they see mistakes as opportunities to grow.
Helping children adopt this mindset early builds their self-confidence and motivation to learn, setting them up for success in school and life.
In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to encourage a growth mindset in young children through everyday interactions and activities.
1. Why a Growth Mindset Matters
Children with a growth mindset:
- Are more willing to try new things, even if they might fail.
- Learn to persist through challenges rather than giving up.
- Understand that effort leads to improvement.
- Feel more confident in their ability to learn and adapt.
Encouraging this mindset helps children develop a love for learning and resilience in the face of obstacles.
2. Replace Fixed Mindset Phrases with Growth Mindset Language
The way we talk to children shapes how they see themselves. Try replacing fixed mindset phrases with growth-oriented ones:
Fixed mindset: “I can’t do this.”
Growth mindset: “I can’t do this yet, but I’m going to keep trying.”
Fixed mindset: “You’re so smart!” Growth mindset: “You worked really hard on that, and it paid off!”
Fixed mindset: “You’re either good at math or you’re not.” Growth mindset: “The more you practice, the better you’ll get at math.”
Using encouraging language teaches children that their abilities can grow with effort.
3. Praise Effort, Not Just Results
Instead of only celebrating success, focus on the process of learning:
- “I love how hard you worked on that puzzle!”
- “You kept trying, even when it was difficult—that’s amazing!”
- “I noticed you used a different strategy this time. Great thinking!”
Praising effort and strategies helps children see challenges as a normal part of learning.
4. Normalize Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
Children who fear making mistakes may avoid challenges. Teach them that mistakes are a natural part of learning:
- “Mistakes help our brain grow!”
- “What did we learn from that mistake?”
- “Let’s try again a different way.”
When children see mistakes as stepping stones rather than failures, they become more confident learners.
5. Encourage Problem-Solving Instead of Giving Quick Answers
Rather than solving problems for them, ask guiding questions:
- “What do you think we should try next?”
- “Is there another way we could do this?”
- “What can we learn from what didn’t work?”
This encourages independent thinking and perseverance.
6. Read Books That Teach a Growth Mindset
Stories help children relate to challenges and resilience. Some great books include:
- The Magical Yet – Encourages kids to keep trying when they can’t do something yet.
- Giraffes Can’t Dance – Shows how practice and self-belief lead to success.
- Rosie Revere, Engineer – Teaches that failure is a part of invention and learning.
After reading, discuss:
- “How did the character handle challenges?”
- “What can we learn from their experience?”
Books help reinforce the idea that effort leads to growth.
7. Turn “I Can’t” into “I Can Learn”
If a child says, “I can’t do this,” respond with:
- “You might not be able to do it yet, but what’s one small step we can take?”
- “Think about something that was hard before but became easier with practice.”
- “What’s another way we could try?”
Encouraging perseverance teaches children to believe in their ability to learn.
8. Model a Growth Mindset Yourself
Children learn by watching adults. Show them how you handle challenges with a positive attitude:
- “I don’t know how to do this yet, but I’m going to figure it out.”
- “I made a mistake, but now I know what to do differently next time.”
- “I’m learning something new, and it’s a little tricky, but I’ll get better with practice.”
When children see adults embracing challenges, they become more likely to do the same.
9. Create Challenges That Encourage Persistence
Games and activities that require problem-solving help children practice perseverance:
- Puzzles – Teach patience and trial-and-error learning.
- Building challenges with blocks or LEGO – Encourage testing different solutions.
- Obstacle courses – Help children push through physical challenges.
The more children experience working through difficulties, the more they develop grit and resilience.
10. Celebrate Progress, No Matter How Small
Acknowledge every step of learning, not just the final achievement:
- “Look how much you improved since last time!”
- “That was a tough challenge, but you didn’t give up!”
- “You’re getting better because you keep practicing!”
Recognizing progress motivates children to keep pushing forward.