Each year since I arrived at TRA, we have had books that we have chosen for our administrative team to read. This year's book is “Mind your Mindset” by Michael and Megan Hyatt. I highly recommend this book for those of you who enjoy reading. Even though we have just started it, the discussion has already been rich and has made each of us think about how we teach, parent, and also how we treat ourselves. In a world where the power of mindset can make or break one's success and happiness, "Mind Your Mindset" serves as a guiding light for parents seeking to instill positive thinking and resilience in their children. The book delves into the profound impact of the narratives we create for our children and emphasizes the need for nurturing a growth mindset to empower them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Words have the remarkable ability to shape our reality, and this is particularly true when it comes to parenting. The way we speak to our children can significantly influence the narratives they form about themselves, their abilities, and their potential. "Mind Your Mindset" underscores the importance of choosing words carefully, encouraging parents to cultivate a language of growth, possibility, and resilience.
Central to the book's message is the distinction between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. A fixed mindset tends to view intelligence and abilities as static, leading children to believe that their potential is predetermined. On the other hand, a growth mindset fosters the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. By adopting a growth mindset, parents can inspire their children to embrace challenges, persevere through setbacks, and see failures as opportunities for growth.
Every child develops a narrative about themselves, often based on the feedback and encouragement they receive from their parents and caregivers. "Mind Your Mindset" highlights the danger of inadvertently shaping a negative narrative for our children by using limiting language such as "you're not good at this" or "you're so smart, you don't need to try." Such comments can lead children to develop self-limiting beliefs that hinder their progress and resilience.
Instead, the book encourages parents to provide constructive feedback that focuses on effort, improvement, and the process of learning. By praising their child's hard work, determination, and resilience, parents can help foster a growth mindset that promotes a love for learning and an eagerness to embrace challenges.
Have a great weekend and thanks for sharing these awesome young people with us each day!
Dr. Graham