I hope you enjoyed last week’s blog on the benefits of developing a growth mindset in teens. If you missed it you can read it here.
So, you are aware of why your teen must have a growth mindset. Now what? This week I want to share ideas and strategies to help your child develop a growth mindset. A reminder that it will not happen overnight, but be consistent and have faith in your ability to influence your teen.
Have a Growth Mindset
When it comes to children and teens, we must model the behavior first. Children watch our every move and if you aren’t practicing it, chances are they won’t. Challenge yourself and view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Be careful not to judge yourself when struggling through a challenge. Your children will learn so much by how you speak to yourself (or judge yourself) and it is essential you set the healthy example.
Celebrate Mistakes
I love the story Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, shared on CNBC. When Sara was growing up, her father would ask her the same question at dinnertime. “What have you failed at this week?” By celebrating and recognizing failures, Sara learned as a child to not focus on the outcome but to focus on the learning and trying. Failing is truly learning and when we can make the mental shift we are able to embrace failures, we are not afraid to take risks that allow us to grow and learn.
Focus on the Process Over the Outcome
Learning and success is a journey. Instead of focusing on winning or getting a good grade, focus on the actions that lead to their successes. Children develop confidence when they learn that success doesn’t define them, but who they become and learn through the process.
Even if you think your child isn’t listening to you, they are. Children watch and listen to our every move and are listening to our every word. Be mindful of how you speak to yourself and your own mindset. And again, have faith in your ability to influence your teen.
Much love,
Andrea
