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Wellbeing: The Power of Yet

Office Admin Titirangi School —

We all want our children to succeed, but challenges can lead to feelings of defeat.

This is where "the power of yet" comes in—a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck that encourages a growth mindset. Instead of thinking, "I can't do this," you can reframe your thoughts to, "I can't do this yet." Children learn that they can improve with effort.

Why It Matters

  1. Resilience: Children develop resilience and learn that failure is part of learning.

  2. Increased Motivation: Understanding that they can grow motivates them to try harder.

  3. Positive Self-Talk: Using "yet" promotes a kinder self-view and a healthier relationship with challenges.

How to Cultivate the Power of Yet at Home

  1. Model the Mindset: Share your challenges and use "yet" in conversations. 

  2. Encourage Effort: Praise the process, not just the outcome. Say, "I’m proud of how hard you worked!"

  3. Use “Yet”: When they express frustration, remind them to add "yet" to their statements.

  4. Set Goals Together: Help them break tasks into smaller steps that emphasize progress.

  5. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge small victories to reinforce the journey of learning.

Embracing the power of yet can transform how children view challenges and their own abilities. By fostering a growth mindset, we equip them with resilience and confidence for lifelong learning.