Are you looking for ways to support your preschooler in developing more emotional resiliency and acquiring a positive attitude to challenges? Do you want to motivate your preschoolers to explore more and learn more?
A growth mindset can be very beneficial to a child. This is not something we are born with and needs to be fostered. A growth mindset is a gateway to a world full of possibilities. With the belief that you can do anything you put your mind to, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals and living to your fullest potential.
To be able to bless children with this kind of mindset can prepare them for their entire lives. It’s even been proven in studies to help people be more successful in all areas of their lives. Keep reading to learn more about a growth mindset and how to encourage a growth mindset in preschoolers.
What Is A Growth Mindset?
Growth mindset is a term that was first coined by Dr. Carol Dweck, a famous psychologist, and mindset expert. She found that a growth mindset is a state of belief that any skill can be grown through dedicated effort and practice. This means that in time, anything can be possible with practice.
This is contrary to what is known as a fixed mindset, where a child believes they are born with a particular skill set and that’s what they have to work with for the rest of their life. So, in essence, there is no need to work on any skills, aside from the ones inherent to you.
These beliefs are established in early childhood. If a child develops a fixed mindset, they will likely stick to a specific skill set, sharpening those skills and no others. This belief that there is no point in learning any new skills can be a huge hindrance to development on all fronts.
How Can A Growth Mindset Benefit A Child?
With a growth mindset, a child can cultivate any skill or talent that their heart desires. A growth mindset can benefit a child’s development in so many ways.
In fact, it’s well-known that people with a growth mindset are much more successful than those with a fixed mindset because they can develop a more varied skill set to help them with that success.
Development Of More Skills
The first and most obvious benefit of a growth mindset is the opportunity to learn so many more things than someone with a fixed mindset would learn. Because of their belief that any skill can be attained by constant effort toward it.
The preschooler with a growth mindset will generally be well-rounded and engage in skills that enhance their development in all areas like language, cognitive, socially, physically, intellectually, and emotionally.
Establishing Good Values
A growth mindset, in and of itself, is a true value. But much more than that, a growth mindset can also help a child to establish good values.
This can include things like being goal-driven, resourceful, and detail-oriented, just to name a few. A preschooler with a growth mindset will also demonstrate more self-confidence and a positive attitude, which brings us to the next benefit of having a growth mindset.
Higher Self Esteem
Yes, even higher self-esteem can be the result of a growth mindset. A child that is explorative and develops multiple skillsets is much more likely to have higher self-esteem because of it.
Rather than one certain skill being a core part of a child’s identity, this child can develop a sense of identity that is made up of many different things. For example, instead of just being a good reader, a child can also grow a skill in art as well.
Increased Love of Learning
With a growth mindset, a child can take full advantage of growing and learning in many different ways. And because of this mindset, they are encouraged to learn more and explore more.
Because of this love for learning, a child with a growth mindset will be much more inclined to learn new things and develop new skills. Whatever is of interest, a growth mindset will explore it.
Future Benefits Through Emotional Resilience
When a child has a growth mindset, instead of failing, the child learns instead. This cultivates a high level of emotional resilience that will benefit them for their entire life.
Because of this emotional resilience, changes and challenges can be navigated with ease. This includes moving, changing schools, or even navigating emotional issues years down the road.
How To Encourage A Growth Mindset in Preschoolers
A growth mindset can be established through unstructured play, letting a child discover and observe skills on their own.
Montessori preschool programs in particular allow children to explore and discover. Lesson plans include imaginative activities where the child can build on their own ideas
Be Consistent
Consistency in practice is important for the individual to grow into a positive mindset instead of the limiting beliefs or childhood conditioning that holds them back.
Lead By Example
A fixed mindset often comes from childhood conditioning, which is why it’s best to start encouraging a growth mindset as soon as possible. The best way to show a child a growth mindset is to lead by example.
Tell your preschoolers about your growth mindset, what it means, and how it helps you to accomplish your dreams. For example, you can tell them how a growth mindset helped you become a better parent or educator by being open to change and thinking of the possibilities change could bring.
For example, a parent who liked to stick to going out for groceries and essentials only then began making small changes and going outdoors for a walk. Now the child was benefitting from this change. Then have discussions to explore what would have been the disadvantages of remaining in same old habits.
Show Them What A Growth Mindset Is
The brain may seem like something a little too complex to discuss with a class full of preschoolers. But, in terms of a growth mindset, explaining how the brain works couldn’t be easier. Use visuals and examples to help them understand how their own mind works.
Enjoy The Process, Not The Outcome
A growth mindset doesn’t see the final result as the be-all and end-all. It’s more focused on enjoying the process that leads you to the result. Instead of praising the result, praise the process a child took to come to that result.
When They Make Mistakes, Get Excited
Show your preschoolers that a mistake isn’t anything to be upset over. In fact, it’s an opportunity to learn what when wrong, so they know better for next time to try it differently. Make mistakes a positive learning experience.
Change The Narrative
A child with a fixed mindset may say things like, “I can’t do it because I’m not…” or” I don’t know how.” Gently remind them that with a growth mindset, they CAN. Help them to change the narrative for themselves, so that they don’t limit themselves before even trying.
Want To Learn More? Join Us!
Helping children cultivate a growth mindset is just one of the things you’ll learn, here at Santosha Mindful Living.
Santosha Mindful Living offers mindset workshops and courses that can benefit children and adults alike. These workshops are meant to help you live not just mindfully, but with an empowered positive mindset.
As well, our workshops, training courses, and individually coaching would greatly benefit educators and parents. For more information about this workshop and encouraging a growth mindset in children, contact us today!
