The way children think about their abilities shapes how they handle challenges, school, friendships and life. Teaching kids to have a growth mindset is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them.
Understanding Growth vs. Fixed Mindset
Distinguishing between these mindsets can help children and teens change how they approach their learning, challenges, and the feedback they receive.
Here, we summarize some of the main differences between a growth and fixed mindset:
Aspects | Growth Mindset | Fixed Mindset |
| Response to challenges | Sees difficulties as opportunities to learn and improve | Avoids challenges to protect self-image |
| View of success | Believes success comes from hard work and practice | Believes success comes only from natural talent |
| Response to criticism | Sees feedback as helpful and useful for growth | Takes criticism personally and feels attacked |
| Learning | Views learning as a lifelong process | Views learning as a way to prove how smart they are |
| Other people’s success | Feels inspired and motivated by others | Feels jealous or discouraged by others |
How Parents Can Help Develop a Growth Mindset
Praise Effort, Not Just Results
Focus on the process, not perfection.
Instead of saying:
- “You’re so smart!”
Try saying:
- “You worked really hard on that.”
- “I can tell you didn’t give up.”
This teaches kids that effort and practice lead to growth.
Model a Growth Mindset Yourself
Kids copy what they see. Let them hear you say:
- “This is hard, but I’ll keep trying.”
- “I made a mistake, and that’s okay.”
- “I’m still learning, too.”
Your attitude becomes their attitude.
Talk About Mistakes as Part of Learning
Help kids see mistakes in a new way.
- “What did you learn from that?”
- “Mistakes help your brain grow.”
- “It’s okay to not know… yet.”
One small word makes a big difference: “I can’t do this… YET.”
Encourage Healthy Struggle
It’s tempting to fix problems for kids—but struggle helps them grow.
- Let them try first
- Offer support instead of answers
- Celebrate progress, even small steps
Confidence builds when kids realize, “I figured it out!”
Use Growth-Minded Language at Home
Words shape how kids see themselves.
Swap fixed mindset phrases:
- “I’m just not good at this.”
For growth mindset phrases:
- “I’m getting better with practice.”
- “This is hard, but I can learn.”
Remember
Developing a growth mindset is a journey, not a one-time lesson. When children believe they can grow and improve, they become more confident, capable and resilient.