Lots of corporate talk centers around developing a ‘growth mindset’, but what exactly is it? At its simplest level, a growth mindset is one that is resilient enough to deal with setbacks, and optimistic enough to constantly seek solutions to problems. There are clear reasons why such an approach might be useful in the boardroom, but developing this mindset in your kids can really help them deal with the daily stressors of school work, friendship issues and all the angst that can come with growing up. Here are three ways to develop this positive and robust approach in your kids.
Embrace Mistakes
Children often love it when parents or teachers get something wrong—it’s a wonderful demonstration that these loved and trusted authority figures can make mistakes just like kids do! If you drop some cutlery when you’re eating dinner or forget where you’ve left your keys, rather than complaining or berating yourself, try and turn it into a lighthearted lesson. You could say something like, ‘Oops, I’ve forgotten my keys again—I really must find a place to keep them so I know where they are.’ This will signal to your kids that you aren’t embarrassed to make mistakes (and neither should they be), and that you can learn from mistakes too.
Practice Makes Perfect
Is your child learning a skill, such as playing an instrument, which will require perseverance and practice? This can present a perfect opportunity for you to help them learn about the importance of resilience and motivation. If they’re feeling less than enthusiastic about practicing their skill, remind them of the potential pay off if they put the time in now—this can help them to develop forward thinking and optimism about the future.
Embrace Positivity
One of the most significant aspects of a growth mindset is its positive outlook. Make sure you show your kids how to put a positive spin on (almost) anything. Whether it’s embracing a rainy day at the beach or accepting a favorite sports team losing the final match, demonstrating how to maintain a positive outlook can set kids up really well for later life.