Teaching Growth Mindset

The Power of Yet: Teaching Our Children a Growth Mindset

I still remember the moment my daughter looked at me, frustration written all over her face, and said, "I can't do this!" It was a simple task, but in that moment, she believed it was impossible. I took a deep breath, knelt beside her, and said, "You can’t do it... yet. But you will."

That one little word - yet - made all the difference.

As parents, we’ve all witnessed our children struggle. We’ve seen them get discouraged when something doesn’t come easily. And in those moments, our response shapes their mindset -

whether they believe their abilities are fixed or if they see challenges as opportunities to grow.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Why It Matters

Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, introduced the concept of fixed and growth mindsets.

A fixed mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence are set in stone - you’re either good at something or you’re not. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.

Children with a growth mindset:

See mistakes as learning opportunities
Are more resilient when facing challenges
Develop a love for learning and problem-solving
Have greater self-confidence

On the other hand, children with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges, give up easily, and feel discouraged by failure.

The good news? Mindset is not set in stone. It’s something we, as parents, can nurture every single day.

How Can We Encourage a Growth Mindset?

The way we talk to our children, the way we praise them, and the way we model our own mindset all play a role in shaping their beliefs.

Here are a few ways I weave growth mindset principles into our daily life:

1. The Power of Yet

Whenever my child says, "I can’t do this," I gently add yet to the end of their sentence: "You can’t do it yet, but with practice, you will." This small shift in language reinforces the idea that learning is a journey, not an instant achievement.

2. Praise Effort, Not Just Talent

Instead of saying, "Wow, you’re so smart!" I try to say, "Wow, you worked so hard on that!"

This teaches them that success comes from effort and persistence, not just natural ability.

3. Normalize Mistakes

In our home, mistakes aren’t failures - they’re part of learning. When I mess up, I make sure to say things like, "Oops, I made a mistake. That’s okay, now I know how to do it differently next time!"

This helps my children see that even adults are always learning and growing.

4. Model Growth Mindset Thinking

Children learn best by watching us. When I face challenges, I verbalize my thought process: "This is tricky, but I’ll keep practicing until I get better."

This way, they see that struggling isn’t a sign of failure - it’s part of growth.

5. Encourage Curiosity and Problem-Solving

Instead of giving immediate answers, I encourage my children to explore solutions.

If they ask, "How do I do this?" I respond with, "What do you think? Let’s figure it out together.

" This builds confidence and independence.

Why It’s Important to Start Early

The earlier children understand that their abilities aren’t fixed, the more confident and resilient they become. When they face difficulties in school, friendships, or personal goals, a growth mindset helps them push through instead of giving up.

But here’s the most important part: they learn it from us. The way we react to struggles -our own and theirs - sets the foundation for how they’ll approach challenges for the rest of their lives.

A Daily Mindset Shift for Parents

I’ll be honest - there are days when I struggle too.

Days when I wish things came easier, when I feel like giving up. But in those moments, I remind myself: I’m still learning. I’m still growing. And so are my children.

By making small shifts in the way we talk, encourage, and model resilience, we plant the seeds of a mindset that will serve our children for life. So, the next time your child says, "I can’t do this," take a deep breath, smile, and say, "You can’t do it... yet."

Worksheet about Fixed and Growth Mindset

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