FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY®

It's Never Too Early to Develop a Growth Mindset

by THE K-12 COUNSELING TEAM | Friday, Sep 30, 2022

In speaking to students about goal setting and encouraging a growth mindset, we better prepare them to discuss deeper topics and set themselves up for their future.

Some of you might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t it too early for my child to discuss that and to understand its importance?” The truth is, it’s never too early to start talking to students about their future. Are your children interested in joining a robotics class to explore engineering? Do they volunteer at animal shelters in hopes of becoming a veterinarian? Do they love to learn and teach and hope to become an influential educator? All of these interests can build towards their future, and they can start now! Please visit the  Kuder  website for more information on this topic in relation to your child's grade-level and development. 

Steps to Future Success

College and career readiness start with some basics. Does your child practice using their growth mindset? Do they know how to set and plan goals? Is academic planning a priority?  Do they know about their resources? If you need some guidance, start here:

  1. Have open conversations: Starting from kindergarten to senior year of high school, it is important for children to have open conversations about their future. Talk to your children about career options, the amount of schooling or training it takes if they are interested, talk about college or trade school choices, and dig deep into scholarship and award opportunities (reach out to your school counselors for more information on this). 
  2. Start setting goals: Parents can help children generate goals, determine the steps needed to accomplish the goals, develop an action plan for achieving their goals, and monitor attainment toward the goal. The acronym SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timeframe-provided) can be used to facilitate the goal-setting process.
  3. Explore: Remember to explore endless possibilities with your children. Knowing that you can have more than one interest and interweave them is important!  Discuss likes and dislikes and how they see themselves fitting into that space. And always remember to celebrate each small accomplishment - focusing on progress, not perfection!
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