How to Build a Growth Mindset in Children
How to Build a Growth Mindset in Children: Raising Resilient Kids Through Daily Practice
Anyone else experience World Cup fever in their home this summer? We sure did. Every last goal was streamed, regardless of the time of day—or whether any of us had ever even heard of the team scoring it or the country they represented. As evidence of the lunacy, at one point I discovered a $90 Cabo Verde jersey sitting in our family's Amazon cart.
Somewhere between a weekday breakfast kickoff, USA face glitter, and debates over hydration breaks, I overheard my husband telling our boys a story about soccer's GOAT. He had watched an interview with David Beckham describing Lionel Messi's very first day with Inter Miami CF.
According to Beckham, Messi arrived at the training facility at 6:50 a.m.—more than three hours before the team was scheduled to train. There was virtually no one there except the staff member who opened the building.
As Beckham continued, it became clear this wasn't a one-time occurrence. Arriving early was simply what Messi did. Long before practice began, he was already in the gym, warming up, preparing his body, and putting in the work. Beckham marveled that, after winning nearly every major trophy in professional soccer, Messi still approached each day like a young player trying to earn a spot on the roster.
That story captures one of the many qualities that sets Messi apart: his belief that greatness isn't something you achieve once—it's something you practice every day.
The same principle applies to raising resilient kids.
Why a Growth Mindset Matters for Children
Over the past several decades, research has consistently shown that children who develop a growth mindset are more resilient, more motivated, and more willing to tackle difficult challenges. They tend to earn stronger grades over time, recover more quickly from setbacks, and persist when things get hard. Simply put, believing that abilities can improve changes the way children respond to failure.
Fortunately, these beliefs aren't something children are born with—they are cultivated by the adults around them.
Psychologist Carol Dweck, a professor at Stanford University and pioneer of growth mindset research, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of praising children for their effort, persistence, and problem-solving strategies rather than simply telling them they're "smart."
Praising intelligence suggests success is based on a fixed trait. Praising effort reinforces the belief that abilities grow through practice, effective strategies, and perseverance.
In other words, we celebrate the process more than the outcome.
We acknowledge the daily practice more than the single performance. We connect the quiet hours of hard work to the brief moments of success. We point out the clever strategies along the way to solving new problems.
What Praising Effort Looks Like
One of my favorite examples came when my middle son finished fifth grade. He came home carrying one of those obligatory end-of-year awards—you know the ones: Kindness Award, Citizenship Award, Perfect Attendance.
He proudly handed me his certificate (I honestly couldn't tell you now which award it was), then paused thoughtfully and said:
"Mom, I wish there was a 'Hardest Worker' award. If there was, my sister would win it every year."
His comment has stayed with me.
Over the years, he had watched his sister work incredibly hard every single day. Thanks to teachers, family members, and other adults who held high—but attainable—expectations and celebrated every bit of progress, she developed remarkable grit.
He had seen the hours she spent learning to read, mastering her math facts, and pushing through challenges that didn't come easily. He understood that her success wasn't the result of natural talent alone. It was built through daily habits, persistence, a positive attitude, and a willingness to keep trying.
Helping Children Learn From Mistakes
Perhaps that's one of the greatest gifts we can give our children—not the belief that they're naturally gifted, but the confidence that they can become more capable through effort, practice, and perseverance.
That also means helping them understand that mistakes aren't signs of failure—they're an essential part of learning.
Neuroscience suggests that making mistakes and reflecting on them actually strengthens learning. Over time, children who see mistakes as opportunities to grow become more confident learners than those who interpret mistakes as evidence that they simply aren't good enough.
Maybe that's why Messi still shows up before sunrise.
Not because he has something left to prove.
But because even the greatest know there's always something left to learn.
Building Resilience Starts With Daily Practice
As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we have countless opportunities to shape the way children view themselves and their abilities. When we celebrate effort, encourage persistence, and remind them that mistakes are part of learning, we help build the confidence they need to face future challenges.
The words we choose—and the example we set—matter. When children see the important adults in their lives embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and continue moving forward despite frustration, they begin to understand that growth isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up, putting in the effort, and trusting that today's hard work can become tomorrow's success. Those everyday moments of encouragement can leave a lasting impression, helping children develop the resilience they'll carry into school, relationships, careers, and every challenge life brings.
After all, resilience isn't about getting everything right the first time. It's about believing that with practice, patience, and perseverance, growth is always possible.
About Wasatch Learning & Wellness
At Wasatch Learning & Wellness in Sandy, Utah, we provide comprehensive psychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults, along with compassionate therapy services for ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, learning differences, and other mental health concerns. Our mission is to help individuals and families better understand themselves through expert, evidence-based care that leads to lasting growth.
Clear Insight. Meaningful Change.
Whether you're seeking answers through a psychological evaluation or looking for ongoing therapeutic support, our experienced team is here to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
Not sure where to begin? Schedule a free consultation with our Intake Coordinator to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and determine which services may be the best fit for you or your child. We're here to help you take the next step with confidence.
