Want Successful Kids? Let Them Make Mistakes


Kids playing nicely together with parents watching

How can you help your kids become successful adults?

It’s all in the mindset.

In a recent webinar, I took part in, the speaker, Carol Dweck, spoke about developing a growth mindset in our kids. First, it’s important to understand the differences between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.

In a fixed mindset, kids and even adults believe that it doesn’t matter how hard you work, how much effort you expend, intelligence and talents are static traits. You do not have control over whether or not 

Business Mistakesyou succeed. A growth mindset is a belief that you can effect change, you can learn almost anything with dedication, effort, and persistence. A growth mindset sows the seeds for true success and a love of learning.

Dweck believes that a growth mindset can be taught to all children. One important aspect of a growth mindset is the belief that mistakes are opportunities to learn.

I have read some great quotes that enforce these ideas. I think we can use these phrases often in the earshot of our kids.

Here they are:

“Mistakes are proof you are trying.”

“If you don’t make mistakes you are not working hard enough on problems. And that is a big mistake.”  -Frank Wilcek

This one is a bit long, but something to just keep in mind:

“For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, its insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn’t understand growth, it looks like complete destruction.”  -Cynthia Ocelli

My favorite:

“Do not carry your mistakes around with you. Place them under your feet and use them as stepping stones.”

Here is to making mistakes and learning from them!

Want to learn more? Check out my Full Proof Ways to Manage Tantrums for more tips on how to raise successful kids, without raising your voice!

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