20 Ways to Develop Growth Mindset and Resilience in Children

Well, imagine a world where children give up easily when faced with difficulties, where setbacks discourage them, and where they believe that their abilities are fixed and unchangeable.

That’s not the kind of world we want for our kids, right?

By cultivating resilience and a growth mindset, we equip children with essential life skills that will serve them well in the long run.

These qualities help them overcome obstacles, embrace challenges, and develop a positive outlook on life. 

Let’s delve into practical tips that, when applied, your children in future will truly be grateful for.

20 Ways to Develop Growth Mindset and Resilience in Children

These effective methods will instill growth mindset and build resilience in children, thus equipping them to tackle difficulties with confidence and adaptability.

1. Future Vision Board

Sitt down with your child and help them put together a special vision board. It’s like a creative collage that showcases all the things they dream about and aspire to achieve.

Chat with them about their goals – big and small – and then break those goals into manageable steps, kind of like building a ladder to reach the top.

As they look at their vision board, they’ll start picturing themselves succeeding, believing that they can grow and learn along the way. It’s like creating a roadmap to turn dreams into reality.

2. Growth Mindset Book Club

Gather your kids and their friends or neighbors for a special book club. In this club, you’ll pick books with characters who show a cool way of thinking – they never give up when things get tough, and they can adjust to new situations like champions.

Now, when you all meet up, you’ll talk about these characters and the tricky situations they face. You’ll chat about how they keep pushing forward and how they change their plans to make things work.

It’s like learning from these characters and figuring out how they use their strong will and clever thinking to come out on top. So, by reading and discussing these stories, you’re actually picking up some of their smart ways of dealing with challenges.

3. Growth Mindset Treasure Hunt

Have a fun adventure with your child, like a treasure hunt. You hide clues around the house or yard, and each clue is like a puzzle that they have to solve. For instance:

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1. Clue 1 (Starting Point): Hide the first clue somewhere easily accessible, like the kitchen counter. The clue might read: “Where dishes are done, your journey’s begun. Look where water flows and bubbles show.”
2. Message 1: When your child solves the first clue and finds the sink, they’ll discover a message like: “You’re off to a great start! Remember, every journey begins with a single step.”
3. Clue 2: At the sink, place the next clue: “When you’re feeling weary, where do you sit? Find the cozy spot where you can rest a bit.”
4. Message 2: Once they find their way to the cozy chair, they’ll unveil: “Resting is important, but so is getting up and trying again. You’re doing awesome!”
5. Clue 3: Now, lead them to the bookshelf with this clue: “Adventure awaits where stories reside. Find knowledge and tales stacked side by side.”
6. Message 3: Among the books, they’ll find: “Just like characters in stories, you’re the hero of your journey. Keep going!”
7. Clue 4: Take them to the garden with this hint: “Nature’s beauty blooms where the soil is cared for. Seek petals and leaves, near a garden’s open door.”
8. Message 4: In the garden, they’ll discover: “Just as flowers need nurturing, so does your determination. You’re growing stronger!”
9. Clue 5 (Final Clue): Bring them back to the starting point with this clue: “Your journey’s almost done, you’ve followed each clue. Return to where it began, where love shines for you.”
10. Message 5 (Final Message): Back where they started, they’ll find: “Congratulations! You’ve shown perseverance and courage. Remember, you can overcome anything!”

The positive messages hidden with each clue reinforce important life lessons about persistence, resilience, and facing challenges head-on.

4. Puppet Theater of Possibilities

Create a special puppet theater for kids, where they can use puppets to act out different stories or situations. This helps them tap into their amazing imagination and learn the magic of thinking positively.

When they’re playing with the puppets, you can suggest scenarios where characters face problems. Now comes the interesting part – you encourage your little ones to come up with creative solutions.

This teaches them that challenges aren’t roadblocks; they’re chances to be inventive and learn new things. So, it’s like turning problems into exciting adventures where their minds can grow and flourish!

5. Dream Builders Workshop

Imagine setting up a fun workshop just for kids. They get to use cool stuff like blocks, craft materials, and even recycled things to bring their dream projects to life.

So, say a kid wants to build a spaceship or a castle – they start putting it together. Along the way, they might face little challenges like things not fitting perfectly or not turning out as they imagined. That’s where the magic happens!

We encourage them to think big and find clever solutions. They learn that it’s okay if things don’t go exactly as planned, and they can change their ideas as they work.

6. Mystery Box Challenges

Gather a box filled with a variety of art supplies and random items. You can include colored paper, buttons, pipe cleaners, fabric scraps, cardboard pieces, feathers, stickers, and any other intriguing materials you have on hand.

Present a mystery box to the kids and explain the challenge. Say something like, “Are you ready for an artistic adventure? Inside this mystery box is a world of possibilities. Your task is to use these materials to create a masterpiece that’s uniquely yours!”

1. Unveiling the Box: Open the mystery box in front of the children, revealing the colorful assortment of art supplies and items.
2. Brainstorming Session: Engage the kids in a brainstorming session where they discuss ideas for their creations. Encourage them to think freely and imaginatively about what they can make from the materials inside the box.
3. Creative Time: Give the kids ample time to explore the materials and start working on their projects. They can use glue, tape, or any other available tools to assemble their creations.
4. Show and Tell: Once everyone has completed their masterpieces, gather together for a “Show and Tell” session. Each child can proudly present their creation, explaining the inspiration behind it and how they used the materials.
5. Reflect and Discuss: After the presentations, have a discussion about the creative process. Ask questions like, “What was challenging about this activity? How did you decide what to create? Did you encounter any surprises along the way?”

This challenge encourages kids to think outside the box and use their imagination to come up with unique creations.

The limited set of materials promotes resourcefulness and flexibility as they adapt to the items available.

7. Multisensory Learning Experiences

Imagine you’re helping kids learn and grow by getting them involved in activities that use multiple senses at once. For instance:

1. Create a list of different textures, such as smooth, rough, bumpy, soft, and so on.
2. Give each child a collection bag or basket.
3. Go outdoors to a park, backyard, or nature trail.
4. Encourage the kids to explore and find items that match each texture on the list. For example, they might find a smooth pebble, a rough tree bark, a bumpy leaf, or a soft feather.
5. Have them describe the texture of each item they find using words like “smooth,” “rough,” etc.
6. Gather together and discuss their findings, sharing the textures they discovered.

When they do these things, their brains light up like a bunch of fireworks, making connections and helping them remember stuff better. It’s like giving their brains a fun workout, making them smarter and better at handling new stuff!

8. Brain-Boosting Nutrition

Educate children about the importance of brain-healthy foods and involve them in preparing nutritious snacks. For example,

• Fruity Brain Boosters:
  • Introduce colorful fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and oranges.
  • Explain how antioxidants in fruits protect the brain.
  • Create a “Berry Brain Blast” activity with fruit skewers.
• Super Seed Adventure:
  • Teach about seeds like chia, flax, and pumpkin seeds.
  • Highlight nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and fiber for brain health.
  • Set up a DIY trail mix station for brain-boosting snacks.
• Yogurt Parfait Power:
  • Discuss probiotics in yogurt for gut-brain connection and mood.
  • Explain how a balanced gut can positively impact cognitive function.
  • Invite kids to assemble nutritious yogurt parfaits.
• Nutty Energy Bites:
  • Educate about brain-boosting nuts like almonds and walnuts.
  • Share the benefits of healthy fats and nutrients in nuts.
  • Host a “Nutty Creations” workshop for making no-bake energy bites.
• Colorful Veggie Fun:
  • Introduce colorful vegetables like broccoli and carrots.
  • Explain how vibrant colors indicate high vitamin and mineral content.
  • Organize a “Rainbow Veggie Art” activity with colorful veggies and hummus.
• Smoothie Science:
  • Teach about brain-boosting potential of smoothies with fruits and greens.
  • Combine protein sources like yogurt or nut milk for added nutrients.
  • Host a “Smoothie Scientist” session for kids to create brain-healthy smoothie recipes.

9. Guided Visualization Art

Ask your children to sit in a comfortable and quiet space. Explain that you’re going to take them on a special journey in their minds that will help them feel relaxed, creative, and emotionally resilient.

Guided Visualization:

1. Set the Scene: Ask the children to close their eyes and take a few deep breaths together. Set the scene by describing a peaceful place, like a calm beach, a magical forest, or a quiet meadow. Encourage them to picture this place vividly in their minds.
2. Imaginative Details: As you guide them through the visualization, add descriptive details to make the scene come alive. Describe the sights, sounds, and even the sensations they might experience in this serene setting. For example, the warm sun on their skin, the gentle rustle of leaves, or the sound of waves lapping the shore.
3. Special Memory: After a few moments, transition to suggesting a special memory that brings them joy and happiness. Encourage them to recall this memory, reliving the positive feelings associated with it. Allow them to bask in this memory for a while.

Transition to Art:

1. Open Their Eyes: Gently guide the children back to the present moment by having them open their eyes. Explain that they’ve just taken a mental journey to a peaceful place and remembered a happy memory, which can help them feel stronger and more resilient.
2. Artistic Expression:
   • Provide a variety of art materials, such as colored pencils, crayons, markers, watercolors, and paper.
   • Explain that they will now create an artwork that represents either the peaceful place they imagined or the special memory they recalled.
3. Creating Their Artwork:
   • Encourage them to let their imagination flow as they create their artwork.
   • If they chose to depict their peaceful place, they could draw the scenery, the elements, and even include themselves in the artwork.
   • If they decided to represent their special memory, they could draw the people, objects, or symbols associated with that memory.
4. Self-Expression and Reflection:
   • While the children work on their artworks, let them know that this is a space for self-expression and creativity.
   • As they create, they might reflect on how the visualization and memory exercise made them feel, and how those positive emotions are being channeled into their artwork.

Key Takeaways:

• The guided visualization exercise encourages relaxation and imagination.
• Creating artwork based on the visualization or memory promotes self-expression and emotional processing.
• Reflecting on positive experiences and translating them into art fosters emotional resilience and a sense of empowerment.

10. Foster a Growth Mindset Language

Embrace Challenges:

• Encourage your child to say, “This might take some time and effort, but I can improve if I keep trying.”
• Teach them to view challenges as opportunities for growth by saying, “I’m ready to face this challenge and become even better.”

Persist Through Difficulties:

• Support your child in saying, “I won’t give up when things get tough. I’ll find a way to figure it out.”
• Help them develop resilience by using phrases like, “I’m determined to keep going, even when it’s hard.”

Learn from Setbacks:

• Guide your child to say, “Mistakes are part of learning. I’ll learn from this and do better next time.”
• Foster a positive mindset by encouraging, “I can turn setbacks into stepping stones for success.”

Effort Leads to Improvement:

• Teach your child to say, “The more I practice, the better I’ll get. Effort is the path to improvement.”
• Instill the idea that hard work pays off by using phrases like, “I’ll keep working on this, and I’ll see progress.”

Feedback is Valuable:

• Encourage your child to say, “Feedback helps me grow. I appreciate it and will use it to improve.”
• Help them see the value in feedback by using phrases like, “I’m open to suggestions because they make me better.”

Emphasize the Journey:

• Guide your child to say, “Learning is a journey, and I’m on my way to becoming my best self.”
• Foster a growth mindset by encouraging, “It’s not about being perfect now; it’s about improving over time.”

Challenge Self-Doubt:

• Support your child in saying, “I won’t let self-doubt hold me back. I can achieve great things with effort.”
• Help them overcome self-doubt by using phrases like, “I believe in my ability to learn and succeed.”

Celebrate Effort and Progress:

• Teach your child to say, “I’m proud of my effort and progress. I’ll keep pushing myself forward.”
• Instill a sense of accomplishment by using phrases like, “I can see how far I’ve come, and I’m excited to keep going.”

Positive Self-Talk:

• Encourage your child to say, “I can improve with practice and learning. I believe in my potential.”
• Foster a positive self-image by using phrases like, “I’m capable of growth, and I’ll continue to develop my skills.”

Encourage Curiosity:

• Guide your child to say, “I’m curious to explore and learn new things. Curiosity makes me resilient and adaptable.”
• Foster a love for learning by using phrases like, “Every question I ask leads me to new knowledge and growth.”

11. Encourage participation in team sports or group activities

For Instance:

Enroll in a Soccer League: Enrolling your child in a soccer league goes beyond the sport itself. It teaches teamwork, communication, and problem-solving:

• They learn to collaborate and play a role in achieving team goals.
• They improve in conveying ideas clearly and listening to teammates.
• Adapting to changing game situations hones their decision-making skills.

Join a Community Theater Group: Being part of a theater group enhances cooperation and resilience through creativity:

• Working with diverse talents fosters teamwork and mutual support.
• Synchronized actions on stage strengthen coordination and ensemble work.
• Overcoming obstacles together builds resilience and problem-solving skills.

In both contexts, your child gains self-confidence, social skills, and a sense of responsibility, preparing them for a more adaptable and confident future.

12. Foster a love for nature and outdoor exploration

Plan a family hiking trip where your child can navigate trails, overcome physical obstacles, and develop problem-solving skills in a natural environment.

Set up a backyard garden where your child learns to tend plants, solve gardening challenges, and appreciate the rewards of their efforts.

13. Introduce your child to inspirational books, movies, or documentaries

Read biographies of resilient individuals like Malala Yousafzai or Helen Keller, discussing their triumphs over adversity.

Watch movies like “The Pursuit of Happiness” or “Hidden Figures” that showcase inspiring stories of resilience and determination.

14. Teach your child mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Practice deep breathing exercises with your child during stressful situations, helping them manage their emotions and develop resilience.

Guide your child through a guided meditation to help them relax, focus their thoughts, and build emotional resilience.

15. Engage in open and honest conversations about setbacks and failures

Share your own personal stories of failure and how you learned from them, encouraging your child to see failures as learning experiences.

Discuss famous inventors, scientists, or entrepreneurs who faced numerous failures before achieving success, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

16. Encourage your child to take on age-appropriate responsibilities

Assign your child household chores like setting the table or cleaning their room, teaching them accountability and resilience in completing tasks.

Volunteer together as a family at a local charity or community organization, exposing your child to different challenges and the satisfaction of making a positive impact.

17. Expose your child to diverse perspectives and cultures

Attend cultural festivals or events where your child can interact with people from different backgrounds, fostering empathy and adaptability.

Explore diverse cuisines through cooking or dining experiences, encouraging your child to appreciate different cultures and perspectives.

18. Create a gratitude practice

Have a daily family conversation at dinner where each person shares something they are grateful for, cultivating a positive and resilient mindset.

Keep a gratitude journal where your child can write or draw things they are thankful for, reinforcing the habit of appreciating the positive aspects of life.

19. Encourage your child to set realistic goals

Help your child break down a larger goal, like learning a musical instrument, into smaller milestones, celebrating their progress and teaching perseverance.

Support your child in setting achievable academic goals, such as improving their grades by studying regularly and seeking help when needed.

20. Foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment at home

Have regular family meetings where everyone can openly share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.

Validate your child’s emotions and provide a safe space for them to express their disappointments, helping them learn from mistakes and grow.

This is it folks, you can do the activities that resonated the most with you. Also to encourage their participation and make sure that they dont abandon when things become tough, make sure that they have fun doing them and also make it as interesting as possible.

Remember, while these activities are helpful, the best way to teach resilience is by showing it yourself. When kids see you not giving up and facing challenges with confidence, they’re likely to learn from your example.

On the flip side, if they see you giving up or getting frustrated easily, it can be tough to teach them resilience, no matter how many activities you try. Your own actions speak louder than words in teaching this important skill.

Also check out our blog on 20 Social Emotional Activities for Preschoolers

Last But Not The Least

In the incredible journey of raising resilient and confident children, you hold the key to their success. By embracing these 20 empowering strategies, you can create a nurturing environment where growth mindset flourishes.

Through shared adventures, open conversations, and creative activities, you’ll witness their resilience bloom like a vibrant garden. Each small step you take, whether it’s encouraging positive self-talk or fostering teamwork, contributes to shaping their unwavering belief in themselves.

Remember, with your unwavering support and these powerful tools, you are not only shaping their future but also cultivating the unstoppable resilience that will carry them through life’s challenges. Your dedication paves the way for their growth, fortitude, and limitless potential.

You might also be interested in reading our blog on Harnessing the Power of Positive Reinforcement: 10 Effective Tips for Parents

Before Signing Off

If you’re interested in teaching your child to manifest their desires through funny and simple stories using gratitude, positive affirmation, and visualization, I encourage you to check out my book “OM Learns Gratitude and Other Good Values.” 

Check out our blog on: 10 Signs of Emotionally Immature Parent & Why Its Unhealthy