Praising effort rather than ability can foster growth mindset from "summary" of Smart But Scattered by Peg Dawson,Richard Guare
When we praise effort rather than ability, we are sending a powerful message to our children. Instead of focusing on innate talent or intelligence, we are highlighting the importance of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. By doing so, we are helping them develop a growth mindset - the belief that their abilities can be improved through dedication and effort. Children with a growth mindset are more likely to take on challenges, embrace failures as opportunities for growth, and persist in the face of setbacks. They are not afraid to try new things or step out of their comfort zones because they understand that their abilities are not fixed. This mindset sets them up for success in school, in relationships, and in life. On the other hand, when we praise ability, we unintentionally promote a fixed mindset - the belief that one's talents and intelligence are predetermined and unchangeable. Children with a fixed mindset are more likely to avoid challenges, give up easily, and see effort as a sign of weakness. They may be hesitant to try new things or take risks because they are afraid of failure and looking incompetent. As parents, teachers, and caregivers, it is essential to be mindful of the type of praise we give our children. Instead of saying, "You're so smart!" or "You're a natural at this," we can shift our focus to their effort and hard work. We can say, "I'm proud of how you didn't give up when things got tough," or "I can see how much effort you put into this project."- We are encouraging our children to develop important skills such as grit, determination, and resilience. We are teaching them that success is not just about being smart or talented - it's about putting in the work and never giving up. Ultimately, this approach fosters a growth mindset that will serve them well throughout their lives.
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