Success in life doesn’t come just from talent—it comes from perseverance, effort, and the belief that we can improve through hard work. That belief is known as a growth mindset and helping your child develop it can set them up for lifelong learning, resilience, and confidence.
Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, the concept of a growth mindset is the idea that abilities and intelligence are not fixed—they can be developed through dedication and effort. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes that qualities like intelligence or talent are innate and unchangeable. So how do we nurture a growth mindset in children? We’ve teamed up with a private primary school to share some practical ways to encourage this powerful way of thinking.
1. Praise Effort, Not Just Results
One of the most effective ways to foster a growth mindset is to focus your praise on how your child approaches a challenge—not just whether they succeed.
Try saying:
“I love how hard you worked on that,”
instead of, “You’re so clever!”
Why it works: Praising effort, strategies, and perseverance shows your child that success comes from hard work and not just natural ability.
2. Reframe Mistakes as Opportunities
Children with a growth mindset see mistakes as part of learning. Rather than stepping in to fix things, help your child reflect on what went wrong and what they can try next time.
Say this:
“What can we learn from this?”
or “Mistakes help your brain grow.”
Why it works: Normalising failure helps children take healthy risks and see challenges as chances to grow rather than proof that they’re not good enough.
3. Model a Growth Mindset Yourself
Children learn a lot by watching how adults handle challenges and setbacks. If you talk openly about your own learning process, they’ll be more likely to embrace theirs.
Example:
“I found this really difficult at first, but I kept practising and now I’m getting better.”
Why it works: Demonstrating your own growth mindset shows that learning is a lifelong journey—not something we outgrow.
4. Use the Power of “Yet”
A simple word like yet can transform your child’s thinking. When they say “I can’t do this,” help them reframe it as “I can’t do this yet.”
Try this mantra:
“You’re still learning. You’ll get there with time and practice.”
Why it works: “Yet” sends the message that improvement is possible—it just takes time and effort.
5. Set Goals and Celebrate Progress
Help your child set realistic, achievable goals and break big challenges into smaller steps. Celebrate not just the end result, but the progress along the way.
Tip: Use a chart or journal to track efforts and improvements, and acknowledge milestones reached.
Why it works: Recognising progress reinforces the value of persistence and keeps motivation high.
6. Encourage Curiosity and Exploration
A growth mindset thrives in an environment where learning is valued for its own sake. Support your child’s interests and encourage them to ask questions, explore new topics, and stretch beyond their comfort zone.
Say this:
“It’s okay not to know. Let’s find out together.”
Why it works: Curiosity builds a love of learning, which is at the heart of a growth mindset.
7. Avoid Labels and Comparisons
While it might be tempting to label a child as “the smart one” or compare them to others, this can reinforce a fixed mindset. Focus on individual growth rather than how they stack up against peers.
Say instead:
“You’ve really improved in this area,”
not, “You’re better than your classmates.”
Why it works: Celebrating personal progress encourages intrinsic motivation and a healthy sense of self-worth.
Helping your child develop a growth mindset is one of the most empowering things you can do. It teaches them to embrace effort, learn from setbacks, and believe in their ability to improve. These lessons will serve them well in school, and far beyond. Remember: the goal isn’t to never fail, but to grow from every experience.
