Children sometimes have a tendency to beat themselves up over small matters – a wrong answer in class, a lost board game or just simply losing objects. While it’s important to be prudent and careful, its equally important to be positive and take the best out of event he worst situation. This is called the growth mindset. No matter what happens, you see the lesson and move on. So how can this be developed in kids?
Enjoy failure
Believe that failure is a stepping stone to success. So when a child is feeling upset over something, try to get them to look at the positive in the situation. For instance, if thy lose a game, why not try again? When you lose, you get another opportunity to play. Or you get to learn a new strategy from your opponent.
Try something else
When your plans go awry, think of something else to do. You planned to play football with your child and it started raining. See what fun things you can do together at home – make hot cocoa and watch a movie, bake something together. This quickly changes the atmosphere and helps the kid rebound from a low to a new happy phase.
Always talk about a plan B
“We are planning to go to the theme park with friends this weekend, but in case it rains we will invite them over.” This keeps the child ready to do something in any situation and focus the fun part of being with friends rather than the theme park.
Use YET
‘YET’ is a great word. ‘I can’t get this problem right ever’ – Finish it with YET. This implies keep trying or try a new route. This takes the focus away from the ‘can’t do it’ part to the ‘I will get there’ part.
Have expectations from your child
Parents are the greatest motivators of kids. If you set the expectations high and believe that they can do it, then they will believe in themselves and get there.
Use words that help growth
Now, these are like affirmations. ‘I can do anything I want’ ‘I am capable of handling this’ When a child hears this often from a parent, they too will start believing in it.
Encourage the process
Always support and encourage the process of growth or learning rather than the result. This helps the child create, believe and follow new processes resulting in eventual success.