"They Must've Practiced A Lot" - Helping Kids Develop A Growth Mindset.

"They must've practiced a lot." 💪🏽

This is what my kids will say at times when they see someone who's really good at something.

And I love it when they do. Because I think it's important that kids know that skills and talents are learnable.

That they're available for you and me.

What we're not good at (yet!) can be learnt with time, practice and failure - and then trying again.

Consistent effort.

That is the path to proficiency.

The path to mastery.

When we observe our kids improve at something, or we talk about how well someone else does something, I think it's important to point out the journey...the process.

◾ "Wow, they're so good at that...they must've practiced a lot."

◾ "You kept going and now look at your drawing!"

◾ "With effort and practice, your reading has really improved. Well done!"

◾ "You did it! You persevered and you did it!"

It's important to praise and comment on process, instead of solely results or 'smartness'.

This helps cultivate a growth mindset in kids...the advantages of which are numerous.

✔️ One main advantage is that a growth mindset allows us to focus on improving at something, which, with continued practice, is the path to proficiency.

It makes us think of proficiency and achievement as possible, and within reach.

🧱 Growth mindset is knowing that skills are built brick by brick. One step at a time.

So, let's give our kids the gift of a growth mindset - as much as we can ❤️

And rememeber as you parent that it's not practice makes perfect, it's practice makes progress (our tagline that encapsulates the essence of a growth mindset!)

❓Also, I'd love to know how you encourage your kids with challenges, and skill building? Do you use any helpful phrases (or ways of being) that you hope will help cultivate a growth mindset in your kids? I'd love to hear from you below in the comments!