Why a growth mindset is a beautiful thing to instill in our kids – and how to do it
Have you ever stopped to think about how your mindset shapes your life? You see, the way we think and tackle life’s ups and downs is actually a direct reflection of what’s going on in our mind. It’s pretty mind-blowing, right?
Well, as parents, we’re surely always looking for ways to help our little ankle-biters blossom into strong, resilient, and creative individuals.
There are a gazillion ways we can teach our kids to become the best versions of themselves, and I would say one of the most important lessons we can give our children is to instill them a growth mindset early on.
But what exactly is a growth mindset, and why is it such a beautiful thing to teach our young one?
A growth mindset is all about believing that skills and intelligence can be developed through effort, dedication, and learning from challenges.
When our kids learn to embrace this way of thinking, they become unstoppable! They’ll bounce back from setbacks, be more creative, and have the grit to tackle whatever life throws their way.
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1. Embrace the power of “yet”
One of the cornerstones of a growth mindset is understanding the power of “yet.”
Some days you may see your child feeling defeated, like not being able to achieve a task. And you might hear them say something like “Mummy, I can’t!” Try teaching your little one that instead of saying “I can’t do it,” they can say “I can’t do it, yet.”
This simple shift has a huge impact of changing how their minds work as it helps them frame things positively and see challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than dead ends.
There are also many shows, books, and activities out there that encourage this mindset. In particular, we love Gabby’s Dollhouse on Netflix and the Gabby’s Dollhouse Pool Playset for inspiring positive thinking in our little ones.
2. Celebrate effort, not just results
Fostering a growth mindset means teaching our kids to value effort as much as the final outcome. As parents, we can learn from all the kids’ books and TV shows we enjoy with our children and celebrate our kids’ efforts, even if they don’t nail it on the first try.
Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection!
3. Encourage curiosity and creativity
Our little lovelies are naturally curious, and we should encourage that trait as much as we can. Providing them with engaging toys and activities, like puzzles, science experiments, or playsets, can stimulate their minds and imagination. The idea is to nurture their curiosity, so they continue exploring and learning throughout life.
4. Engage in imaginative play with interactive toys
When thinking about how to engage their curiosity and creativity, the right toys and activities can act as very important tools to support a growth mindset. So give your kids toys that encourage imaginative play and problem-solving.
For example, the Gabby’s Dollhouse Pool Playset offers endless adventures as kids recreate scenes from the hit show, while also creating their own stories with Gabby and MerCat. The playset promotes creativity, curiosity, and even helps them practice teamwork as they involve their friends or siblings in playtime.
By offering interactive toys that stimulate your child’s imagination, not only are they in for endless hours of fun, but you’re giving them the tools to develop a growth mindset and empowering them to face challenges head-on.
5. Teach the value of teamwork and friendship
Working together is another key aspect of a growth mindset. Children can learn this through group activities, sports, or even watching shows where characters often join forces to overcome obstacles.
Try and encourage your kids to collaborate with others and remind them that it’s okay to ask for help when they need it. And of course, help others in return as well.
This is another reason we love the Gabby’s Dollhouse Pool Playset – it not only provides plenty of fun for individual play, but is also perfect for sharing with friends to really bring the action to life. Afterall, Gabby is known for being generous and kind – so why not encourage your little ones to be just like Gabby as they enjoy hours of fun with the playset!
6. Show them that it’s okay to make mistakes
Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. We can create a safe and supportive environment where our little ones can make mistakes, learn, and grow. Be patient and understanding, and always remind them that failure is just another opportunity to learn.
Gabby is a great example of this with her catchphrase “We failed fantastically!” and every episode of the show involves having to solve a problem while staying positive. You can bring some of these problem solving themes to life at home with the Gabby’s Dollhouse Pool Playset.
Another idea is to be open about your own mistakes as a parent, and share with your kids. Show them that you are not ashamed of making mistakes and will try again next time.
7. Share stories of perseverance
Teach your kids valuable lessons in perseverance by sharing stories of people who’ve achieved great things through hard work and determination. These stories can come from books, movies, or even personal experiences. Remind your kids that they too can overcome challenges if they put their mind to it.
Once again, Gabby can be of help here as she and her kitty friends may not always solve their problems on the first try, but they don’t give up! Bringing some of these ideas to life with the Gabby’s Dollhouse Pool Playset is a wonderful way to continue to encourage children not to give up – and to find the fun in persevering!
8. Set realistic and achievable goals
Help your kids set goals that are challenging yet achievable. Be sure to break down large goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate their progress along the way.
Be their biggest cheerleader and encourage them to stay focused and committed, and always be there to offer guidance and support as they work towards their goals.
9. Keep learning fun
Finally, we can’t forget to make learning fun!
Encourage your kids to explore new interests and provide them with enjoyable and educational resources. For instance, if you do allow the kids to sneak in some screen time, put on shows that not only entertains but also teaches valuable life lessons through engaging stories and characters (such as Gabby’s Dollhouse, obviously!)
As parents, our job is to guide and support our kids on their journey to becoming the best versions of themselves. By instilling a growth mindset and providing them with the tools they need to thrive, we’re giving them the ultimate gift – the power to believe in themselves and their ability to grow, no matter what life throws their way.
And the reward is that we will be confident that our kids will thrive, and that is a beautiful thing to know.
This is a paid partnership between Kiindred and Spin Master.
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Bella Heim Follow +
Bella is a mummy of three, writer, and photographer. She's not afraid to admit that she relies on a little red wine to keep the chaos of motherhood at bay. When she's not dodging toys and dirty diapers, you'll find her documenting the wild and wonderful ride of parenthood, and adding a splash of inspiration, creativity, and a healthy dose of mum humour along the way.
