A GROWTH MINDSET IS A FAD.

“I just want my child to be happy, safe and thrive in what they love” - said every parent ever. 

However, admittedly, many get lost in the system and forget the steps to help their child actually find happiness in pursuing their passions. 

All of a sudden it becomes a competitive nature of academic success, parents looking over their shoulders at their neighbor’s child who can write their name before yours or whispers of a mother hiring a math tutor in the village so he can get into the top set.

Over the years, the education system and parents seem to be led down the wrong path and misunderstand the concept and importance of a growth mindset, the rationale behind holistic development and what is REALLY best for their children. 

The term ‘Growth Mindset’ shouldn’t just be a fad or a popular new phrase after a pandemic, we believe that it should be the standard. Did you know, ability or IQ only accounts for 25% of a person’s achievement? And guess what the other 75% is? 

Well, the other 75% comes from non-cognitive factors such as perseverance, optimism, grit, resiliency, comfort with intellectual tension, coping skills for error and failure and the ability to reflect on critique and feedback in positive ways… all vital elements of a growth mindset. 

So, what exactly is a growth mindset and how can my child develop this? 

A growth mindset is seeing intelligence, skills and talent as malleable. A growth mindset is based on the science of neuroplasticity—the ability for the brain to change and create new neural pathways over a person’s life. When we compare a growth and fixed mindset, it is apparent the benefits it creates. 

Fixed VS Growth Mindset 

A fixed mindset limits growth because: 

• Your mind wants to prove your talent 

• You actively avoid challenges / fears 

• You treat criticism as an attack 

• You often feel threatened by others success

Alternatively, a growth mindset encourages development because:

• You want to improve your talent by putting in the effort 

• You engage with challenges and difficult situations 

• You observe criticism as an opportunity 

• You feel inspired and motivated by others success

We feel that it is vital to understand the difference so you and your children can act before you react. So, let’s go back to our original statement;

“I just want my child to be happy, safe and thrive in what they love” 

We must show affection, show optimism about the future, demonstrate excitement for a sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves, enjoy rituals and family meals, actively listen and make asking for help normal.

Below, we’ve attached 7 practical top tips to help you and your family develop a growth mindset at home. 

6 TOP TIPS TO HELP A GROWTH MINDSET 

• Praise efforts over rewards. 

Children will learn how to take pride in their own accomplishments, rather than only put effort in for adult praise or external rewards.

• Be a role model. 

Take feedback like a champion and demonstrate this as an opportunity rather than an attack. Set family challenges together and help each other through the tough times. Don’t forget the power of YET. 

• Share stories from inspirational people. 

Read inspirational books with your little ones. Observe their positive habits, routines and see if you can implement them at home together. 

• Independence. 

Your child can do more than you think with the right resources provided. Here at the Mushkins, our children’s book, affirmation cards and programs help children thrive, learn and develop the lifelong skills they need to develop a growth mindset. 

• Boundaries. 

Everything has a cycle from start to finish. Carol Dweck once said, “We like to think of our champions and idols as superheroes who were born different from us. We don’t like to think of them as relatively ordinary people who made themselves extraordinary.” We must celebrate dedication, application and commitment to setting goals and achieving the extraordinary all the way to the finish line. 

• Resources. 

With the right advice, education and resources - you can continually ensure that a growth mindset is the standard without any effort at all. 

We’ve worked with hundreds of children, parents and educators all over the world so we’d be more than happy to help, after all… 

“We just want your child to be happy, safe and thrive in what they love”