Encouraging a growth mindset in children and young people is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer. A growth mindset – the belief that intelligence and ability can develop with effort, feedback and persistence – not only fosters resilience but also unlocks lifelong learning. Whether you’re a parent, teacher or carer, here are some practical ways to help cultivate this powerful mindset, inspired by the teachings of this sixth form in Enfield.
Praise Effort, Not Just Results
A key principle of the growth mindset is valuing the journey rather than just the outcome. Instead of saying “You’re so smart”, try phrases like “You worked really hard on that” or “I love how you kept going even when it was tricky”. This helps children see that success comes from perseverance, not just natural ability.
By focusing on effort, strategy and attitude, you reinforce the idea that they are in control of their progress. It also means setbacks feel less like failures and more like part of the learning process.
Normalise Mistakes
Mistakes are essential for growth. If children feel ashamed or anxious about getting things wrong, they may shy away from challenges. But if they learn that mistakes are not only normal but necessary, they’ll be more likely to take risks, ask questions and embrace new experiences.
When a child makes a mistake, respond with curiosity: “What can we learn from this?” or “What might you try differently next time?” This helps shift the focus from fear to reflection.
Model a Growth Mindset Yourself
Children learn as much from what we do as from what we say. If they see adults embracing challenges, talking positively about learning, and reacting calmly to their own mistakes, they’ll be more likely to adopt the same approach.
For instance, if you’re struggling to solve a problem, you might say, “This is tricky, but I’ll figure it out – I just haven’t got there yet.” That small word – yet – is a cornerstone of growth mindset thinking.
Encourage Curiosity and Challenge
Create an environment where curiosity is celebrated. Encourage children to ask “why?” and “how?” questions, explore new topics, and step outside their comfort zones. Whether it’s a new hobby, a tricky maths puzzle or a creative project, offering opportunities for challenge helps reinforce the idea that brains grow through use.
You can also introduce books, stories and activities that explore resilience, problem-solving and the power of learning through effort.
Give Constructive Feedback
Feedback is a tool for growth – but it needs to be used thoughtfully. Rather than simply pointing out what’s wrong, offer feedback that helps children understand what they can improve and how to do it. For example, “You’ve got a great start here – now try expanding your ideas with more detail.”
This kind of guidance empowers children to make progress while building confidence and motivation.
A growth mindset isn’t about ignoring difficulty – it’s about facing it with courage and curiosity. By supporting children to see challenges as opportunities and intelligence as something that evolves, we equip them with the tools they need to thrive – not just in school, but in life.
Let’s help them grow not just in knowledge, but in belief.
