Why is the Word Yet Powerful in Developing a Growth Mindset

Have you ever heard your child say, “I’m just not good at this!” Maybe it's when they’re trying to ride a bike for the first time or working on a math assignment that seems impossible to figure out.

What if we, as parents or teachers, could turn a child’s frustration into something that feels hopeful? Today, I wanted to share something with you that I think could be helpful for them. It’s the word “YET.”

Why the Word Yet Helps Kids Develop a Growth Mindset

The word "yet" can make a big difference in how kids talk to themselves because it shifts their mindset from one of limitation to one of possibility. I’ve found that adding "yet" helps kids see that they are capable of achieving personal growth.

Research on Growth Mindset

Studies have shown that a growth mindset can greatly influence a child’s development, especially their academic success. A research article in Frontiers in Psychology also discusses how parents’ beliefs about failure (whether they see it as a learning opportunity or an obstacle) can shape their children’s mindsets.

In terms of behavior, parents with a fixed mindset tend to be more controlling and focused on performance, while those with a growth mindset encourage autonomy and mastery.

Moreover, praise that focuses on effort (“You worked hard on this”) promotes a growth mindset, while praise that focuses on innate traits (“You’re so smart”) can lead to a fixed mindset.

Shift a Child’s Perspective Using the Word Yet

Here are tips I would recommend for parents and teachers:

• Use the word "yet" in your own conversations. During moments when you’re struggling with something, add "yet" to your sentences. For example, “I haven’t perfected making homemade bread yet, but I’m improving with each try.”
• When kids set goals, remind them to focus on progress. Goal setting makes personal growth more intentional. They become more invested in the process! In our handout, we explain how evaluating and tracking one’s progress helps a child stay on track. Here, they get to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how they can adjust their strategies.
• Incorporate activities that teach a growth mindset. You could start with a simple activity such as a chart with different words or phrases that represent a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset. Read each of them out loud and ask kids to identify which mindset it belongs to. Explore more growth mindset activities here.

I hope you find these tips helpful! If you're interested in visual reminders to support a child or student, check out our growth mindset posters.

*This article was originally published in our email newsletter on October 1, 2024.