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How Parents Can Foster a Growth Mindset at Home
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. Parents can encourage this by praising effort, using 'process praise,' and modeling persistence. Approaches include responsive caregiving, 'serve and return' interactions, and emphasizing steady developmental progress over comparison.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 1Notice and verbally praise your child’s effort: 'I see how hard you’re working on that puzzle!'
- 2Respond warmly and promptly when your child tries to communicate or solve a problem.
- 3Encourage your child to keep trying after a mistake by saying, 'Mistakes help us learn. Let’s try again!'
What to say
- “You’re really improving because you keep practicing!”
- “It’s okay to make mistakes; that’s how we learn new things.”
- “I’m proud of how you didn’t give up, even when it was hard.”
What to practice consistently
- Consistently using process praise that focuses on effort and strategies.
- Engaging in daily 'serve and return' interactions by responding to your child’s cues.
- Modeling a growth mindset by sharing your own learning experiences and persistence.
What to avoid
- Praising intelligence or talent instead of effort (e.g., 'You’re so smart!').
- Comparing your child’s progress to others, which can undermine motivation.
- Responding to mistakes with criticism or frustration, which can discourage trying.
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Using language that praises effort, strategies, and persistence rather than fixed traits like 'smart' or 'talented.'
- Responding promptly and warmly to children’s attempts to communicate or solve problems, supporting their learning process.
- Encouraging children to see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures.
- Focusing on steady progress in developmental milestones rather than comparing to peers.
- Engaging in 'serve and return' interactions where parents respond to children’s cues to build brain architecture.
- Modeling a growth mindset by sharing your own learning experiences and persistence.
Related questions
Use process praise that focuses on effort, strategies, and persistence rather than fixed traits.
They are responsive exchanges where adults promptly and warmly respond to a child’s cues, supporting brain development.
If your child misses multiple milestones or shows persistent delays, consult a healthcare provider.
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From around the web
How to Foster a Growth Mindset in Your Child
Practical strategies for parents to encourage a growth mindset in young children.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Developmental Milestones
Information on developmental milestones and tracking child progress.
CDC
Serve and Return: How Early Interactions Shape Brain Development
Explains the importance of responsive caregiving and interactions in early brain development.
ZERO TO THREE
Responsive Caregiving and Early Brain Development
Research on how responsive caregiving supports healthy brain growth.
NICHD