Want to help your child build a “can-do” attitude? Help them build a growth mindset!

First, a quick refresher on a growth mindset. A “growth mindset” welcomes a challenge and sees failure as springboard for growth. It can be summed up as, “look for the silver lining.. and you’ll find one!” It also encourages risk-taking to maximize learning and personal development.

Positively reinforce a growth mindset 

• Praise effort more than “accomplishments.” With a growth mindset, we see effort, perseverance, and personal progress as a win. For example, learning to read a sight word for the first time, regardless of their grade in class. 
• Build a bank of your child’s wins,  so they don’t get lost in the shuffle or overshadowed by the struggle. Write each one down on a slip of paper and keep in a jar. Pull from the jar on a tough day and on New Year Eve.
• Put a white board on your child’s bedroom door. Every day write something positive about your child’s efforts on the white board. Like when they are “caught being kind.”
• Keep track of wins with stickers or pom poms – when they get to a certain amount, go out for cocoa or another small reward. 
• Anchor in the child’s triumphs with a song you play each time they overcome a challenge. “Hey Now, You’re an All Star” is a good one.
• Have a failure party. Celebrate when your child has turned lemons into lemonade!  

I hope this inspires you! Have a great day!