Benefits of a Growth Mindset for Kids

By Julia Morrissey

Photo by Wayne Lee-Sing on Unsplash

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Given the current situation, we can likely all see how critical it is to help prepare kids to face challenges. One way to help prepare kids is to encourage a growth mindset. This post discusses what it means to have a growth mindset, the advantages for a growth mindset, and some tips and tricks (including three printables) to help encourage a growth mindset in kids.

What Exactly is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is a mentality where an individual believes that their intelligence and abilities can be developed. This is the opposite of a fixed mindset, where it is thought that you can’t really build on the abilities you are born with. With a growth mindset, kids often feel more encouraged to work hard and strive for personal and academic growth. Kids who believe that working hard is what makes them smarter, are more likely to be interested and engaged in learning.

What Are the Benefits of a Growth Mindset?
There are many benefits of having kids develop a growth mindset. Not only can this mindset help kids enjoy learning and school more, but it can also make them feel more motivated and confident. Additionally, a growth mindset can also help kids:

• Learn more about their emotions 
• Think and act more independently 
• Become more productive
• Feel stronger and more positive
• Become more resilient and better able to cope with transitions
• Understand that learning is a process
• Recognize their strengths and develop self-worth
• Learn to set goals and create a plan to achieve them
• View challenges as opportunities
• Reduce stress and anxiety

How to Encourage a Growth Mindset in Kids
The process of developing a growth mindset can be challenging, but there are a number of ways to help kids be successful. Always be sure to check in with kids to make sure you know how they are feeling about the process. The following are additional ways you can help encourage a growth mindset in kids:

• Emphasize the benefits of being in a growth mindset
• Encourage creative thinking
• Put a positive spin on what might appear to be a failure
• Set realistic goals and reasonable expectations
• Explain how a growth mindset has benefited you
• Encourage problem solving and them struggle a little bit
• Create and stick to a practice schedule
• Applaud effort and progress
• Utilize tools, such as printables to assist with the process 

Utilizing Printables to Encourage a Growth Mindset
Using printables is a great way to make developing a growth mindset an enjoyable process. Below you can find three printables for helping encourage a growth mindset in kids. You can download them at the end of the post!
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1. Emotion Grid Exercise: Help kids identify and understand their emotions.

2. Goal Setting Worksheet: Assist kids with creating goals and developing plans for achieving them.

3. Growth Mindset Conversation Cube: Help kids open up about how they are feeling.

Download all of these printable activities (courtesy of Tommy John) below to start helping your kids develop a growth mindset.

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Meet Julia...

Julia Morrissey is a content creator who works to develop helpful guides and compelling stories. Her passion for creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from business to lifestyle. She calls New York City home and enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, running in Central Park, and finding new vegan dining options around the city.mething about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.