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Joined 1 year ago
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Cake day: June 10th, 2023

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  • Yeah, I was that way with many things as a teen. I still get that way as an adult. I don’t like cooking because I’m intimidated by the effort, and I often tell people I don’t cook well. It’s a fixed mindset. However, I have a student from Poland. She took a family pieroski recipe from her grandmother, translated it into English, and gave it to me because it’s her favorite dish, and she thought I should try it.

    Obviously, I had to do it while my wife took pictures. And you know what? They turned out pretty good! In fact, I’d like to do it again, and I think next time I can do them even better.

    I think the biggest challenge to fostering a growth mindset is overcoming reluctancy to just try. As a teacher, it’s something I try to listen for from my students.


  • As the parent of a 13-year-old, that wouldn’t work either. They’d just pout and tell you that you think they can’t do anything right.

    What you described just now is known in teaching circles as a “fixed mindset”. A person decides they can’t do a thing because that’s just how things are. No two people are the same, but you might be able to foster more of a “growth mindset” by continuing that conversation…

    “No, don’t sell yourself short. This is just something you’re not good at yet. Come on, let’s see how we can do this better together. It’ll only take a minute.”



    1. Thank your daughter for helping you with chores.
    2. Bring her to the mess and let her see it for herself.
    3. Kindly ask her why she thinks it turned out that way.
    4. Ask her what she thinks she can do avoid this kind of thing next time. (This is your opportunity to explain to her how to do things.)
    5. Kindly ask her to do it again, correctly. (Consider doing it together)
    6. Tell her she’s awesome for helping out, and that you really appreciate it.

    Never be angry. Be patient and supportive. Don’t let frustration escalate.