From ‘I Can’t’ to ‘I Can’: How to Help Your Child Develop a Growth Mindset

As parents, we’ve all heard our kids say, “I can’t do this,” or “This is too hard.” It’s a tough moment, right? You want to jump in and help, but how do you actually help them change that mindset? The truth is, you don’t have to “fix” it, you just need to guide them towards developing a growth mindset, which is the belief that effort, practice, and learning from mistakes can help them improve and grow.

The first thing to remember is that praising effort over outcome is key. Instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” try, “You worked really hard on that!” This reinforces the idea that it’s the effort and persistence that lead to success, not just natural ability. Another helpful tip is to model a growth mindset yourself. When you face a challenge, share your own struggles with your kids. Saying things like, “This is tough, but I’m going to keep trying” shows them that everyone, even adults, have to push through difficult moments.

And don’t forget to celebrate small victories! These little wins make a huge difference in building a positive attitude toward learning. Help them set small, achievable goals, whether it’s finishing a homework assignment or learning a new skill. Celebrate the progress, not just the final result. It’s about building confidence along the way.

Above all, remind them that mistakes aren’t failures, they’re learning opportunities. When things don’t go as planned, let them know it’s part of the journey. Help them understand that setbacks can be turned into opportunities to try again, and this mindset will stick with them in every challenge they face. Over time, you’ll see that shift from “I can’t” to “I can’t yet ” and that’s when the magic happens.