AUTHOR’S VIEW Does your child have a “Fixed mindset” or a “Growth Mindset”? Does she compare herself to others, or celebrate her own unique gifts? Does he believe he can do anything if he tries, or that he's rubbish at most skills and tasks? How can you tell and why is it so important? Take a look at the two lists in the diagram on the next page. Think about whether you often hear your children say “I can't do this” or “he's better than me” or “I'm not very clever”. If you notice these phrases more than occasionally, chances are they are currently forming a “fixed mindset” but that can change. An important lesson that children can learn is that although they may never be as skilled as their friend or classmate at certain activities, they can learn to improve and to celebrate that improvement. They can also learn to celebrate their differences and what is good about them and their personality, because that is what will help them to move forward in life and avoid the pitfalls that a fixed mindset and the resulting low self-esteem can create. Pitfalls such as possible anxiety, depression, relationship struggles and unfulfilling lifestyles when they grow up.
By Vicki Tongeman
Help your child build a “Growth Mindset” for a happier new School Year 4
You can help your children create a stronger growth-mindset and positive outlook on life by encouraging them to recognise for themselves what good qualities they bring to the world. Yes, it's good to tell your child what a good/kind/helpful person they are, but we've all received compliments we haven't believed because we didn't
