How to Help Kids Develop a Growth Mindset

Have you ever seen a child get frustrated and say, “I’m just not good at this”? It’s tough to watch, especially when you know they’re capable of so much more. That’s where a growth mindset for kids comes in.

Kids who believe they can improve through hard work and learning are more likely to stay determined to keep going instead of giving up. This way of thinking isn’t just helpful — it builds their future.

We’ll discuss what a growth mindset means and ways parents and caregivers can help kids develop it through everyday experiences.

What is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset is the belief that you can get better at something with effort, practice, and learning. People with a growth mindset know that even if something is hard at first, they can improve by trying again and not giving up.

This is important because life is full of challenges. No one is instantly good at everything, and setbacks are a normal part of learning. Setbacks in school, work, new skills, and life’s obstacles will feel less overwhelming when we know that effort and persistence help us improve!

The opposite of a growth mindset is a fixed mindset. This is when someone believes that their abilities are set and can’t change, no matter what they do. For example, someone with a fixed mindset might say, “I’ll never be good at math,” while someone with a growth mindset would think, “Math is tough, but I can get better if I practice.”

Growth Mindset in Kids

Children with a growth mindset don’t get easily discouraged when something is difficult. They see mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than proof that they’ve failed.

Research shows that parents play a big role in teaching a growth mindset to children. Parents with a growth mindset teach their children to think about mistakes in a way that they can learn from them. They encourage them to keep trying [*].

The way parents praise and correct their children matters. If kids are praised for traits like being “smart” or “talented,” they might think their abilities cannot change. But when parents focus on effort and improvement, kids learn that hard work leads to success. 

How to Help Kids Develop a Growth Mindset

Helping kids develop a growth mindset takes time and parents can start by explaining the idea in a simple way. Encouraging self-awareness and asking the right questions can also help kids recognize their own thinking patterns. Fun activities and helpful resources can also make learning about a growth mindset more interesting!

Here’s how to teach growth mindset to children:

Praise effort, not just results

Praising effort means recognizing the hard work, strategies, and perseverance a child puts into something, rather than just the outcome.

What it looks like: Instead of saying, “You’re so smart!” after getting a good grade, try telling them, “I can see you studied hard for this test, and it paid off!”

The key is to notice specific actions like practicing, using problem-solving skills, or staying patient.

Children who feel their efforts are valued are more willing to take on challenges. On the other hand, focusing only on results can make kids afraid to fail. They may avoid difficult tasks to protect their self-image.

Model a growth mindset

One of the best ways to teach a growth mindset to our kids is by modeling it ourselves. A simple technique is to talk out loud when dealing with something difficult.

For example, when you’re assembling furniture and struggling, say, “This is tricky, but I’ll figure it out if I take my time and follow the steps.”

Sharing some of your personal experiences helps, too. Try to recall something you once found hard but improved over time, like learning to cook or fixing a computer. Kids who see this mindset in action are more likely to apply it to their own experiences.

Emphasize the Power of “Yet”

The power of “yet” is so simple, but it can make a big difference in how kids view unpleasant situations. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” adding “yet” turns it into, “I can’t do this yet.”

It’s a small change that helps them see that just because they struggle with something now doesn’t mean they won’t get better in the future. “Yet” reminds them that they can develop their abilities.

Consider hanging this Power Of Yet poster in your child’s bedroom or living area as a daily reminder that growth takes time and effort.

Normalize mistakes as learning opportunities

In one of my therapy sessions, a teen once shared how embarrassed they felt after giving the wrong answer in class. But instead of seeing it as a failure, we talked about how mistakes help them improve. I asked, “What if that mistake helped you remember the right answer next time?”

We can help them reframe mistakes in a positive way. Questions like, “What did you learn from that?” or “How can you do it differently next time?” teach them to adjust.

Encourage challenges and new experiences

Allow children to step outside their comfort zones and try new things. This might include learning an instrument or trying out for a sports team.

At first, they may feel discouraged if they don’t see progress right away. Remind them of growth mindset quotes like “Mistakes are the portals of discovery” or “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” to help them push through frustration.

Teach positive self-talk and thinking

The way kids talk to themselves matters. If they constantly say, “I’m not good at this” or “I always mess up,” they start to believe it.

Research suggests that a helpful alternative is for children to shift their focus from ability to effort. Instead of thinking about whether they are “good” at something, they can use positive self-talk that encourages persistence, such as “I’ll keep trying” or “I can get better with practice.” [*]

We can encourage positive thinking through daily affirmations. Have them repeat phrases like:

• I can succeed with determination and constant effort.
• Learning is my superpower.
• The more I practice, the more I improve.

Another interesting activity is “Flip the Thought.” On a piece of paper, they’ll write down common negative thoughts on one side — and then rewrite them in a more positive way on the opposite side. 

You can also ask them growth mindset questions. For example, instead of asking them, “Did you get a good grade?” try asking, “What did you learn from this assignment?” 

Other great questions include:

• What was something challenging you faced today? How did you handle it?
• What’s one thing you’re proud of learning?
• What’s one thing you can do differently next time to improve?

Make these questions part of your everyday conversations!

Read books about growth mindset

Books are a great way to teach kids about a growth mindset because stories help them see interesting examples of perseverance and believing in themselves.

Remember to choose age-appropriate growth mindset books so the message is easy to understand.

Picture books can introduce simple ideas about effort and resilience to younger children. Older kids may enjoy chapter books that discuss determination, problem-solving, and self-belief in more depth.

Reading together at bedtime or during quiet moments can be a great opportunity for discussion. After finishing a book, parents can ask questions like: How did the character handle a challenge? How can you apply this to your own life?

The Bottom Line

Parents can support a growth mindset by praising effort, encouraging challenges, and teaching positive self-talk. Reading books and asking the right questions also help children develop this way of thinking.

Teachers play a big role, too! They can include growth mindset lessons in the classroom and appreciate students for their effort and progress, not just their results.

If you’re looking for an easy way to remind kids that they are always growing and improving, check out our Growth Mindset Posters. These colorful and inspiring posters are great for homes and classrooms.

References:

1. Chen, J., & Liu, C. (2023). The longitudinal association between children’s growth mindset in senior primary school and their parents’ growth mindset. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1110944. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1110944
2. Thomaes, S., Tjaarda, I. C., Brummelman, E., & Sedikides, C. (2019). Effort Self‐Talk Benefits the Mathematics Performance of Children With Negative Competence Beliefs. Child Development, 91(6), 2211. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13347