Fostering a Growth Mindset During Potty Training
The Key to Long-Term Development
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.”
- Nelson Mandela
Potty training can feel like a daunting prospect and, as a result, something that many people try to get done as quickly as possible. However, instead of seeing it as a task to power through following a “3 day method” or a “10 day challenge” that has no consideration for a child’s mental or emotional wellbeing, we can choose to see it as an incredible opportunity to set the stage for your child's lifelong learning and development.
One powerful concept that can significantly impact this journey is fostering a growth mindset. This approach not only eases the potty training process but also contributes to your child's overall development in remarkable ways.
The concept of growth mindset was introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and perseverance. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes that abilities are static and unchangeable. Research has shown that children who develop a growth mindset are more resilient, more willing to take on challenges and more likely to persist through difficulties.
Research in child psychology consistently supports the benefits of a growth mindset. For instance, studies show that children with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities to learn rather than as failures. This mindset is linked to greater academic success, better emotional regulation and improved problem-solving skills.
In one study by Dweck and her colleagues, children who were praised for their effort rather than their inherent ability were more likely to choose challenging tasks and showed greater resilience when facing difficulties.
How Does Fostering a Growth Mindset Play into Potty Training?
Potty training is one of the first significant long-term challenges your toddler will face. Persistence and a positive attitude towards setbacks are crucial. By approaching it with a growth mindset, you’re not just teaching them to use the toilet; you’re teaching them about perseverance, resilience and the power of effort.
Here are a few simple but effective ways in which you can foster a growth mindset before and during potty training:
Praise effort, not just success: Instead of only celebrating when your child uses the potty successfully, praise their effort and persistence by saying, “I’m so proud of you for trying! You’re working really hard at this!” This helps them understand that effort is valuable and encourages them to keep trying even if they don’t succeed immediately.
Normalise mistakes: Let your child know that accidents are a natural part of learning. When an accident happens, respond with, “That’s okay, everyone has accidents. Let’s clean up and try again later.” This teaches them that mistakes are nothing to be ashamed of.
Model a growth mindset yourself: Children learn a lot by observing their parents. Show them how you handle challenges and setbacks with a positive attitude. Make a deliberate and obvious mistake and say, “Oops, I made a mistake. That’s okay, that’s how I learn to get better at things. I’ll try a different way next time.”
Set realistic goals: Break down the potty training process into manageable steps. Celebrate small milestones, like sitting on the potty or telling you when they need to go, to build their confidence and sense of achievement.
Encourage independence: Allow your child to take ownership of their potty training journey. Let them choose their own potty, decide when to try and help clean up after accidents. This empowers them and reinforces the idea that their input leads to progress.
Children who believe in their ability to improve through effort are more likely to embrace new learning opportunities and bounce back from mishaps. These are invaluable skills that will benefit them throughout their lives - through toddlerhood, schooldays and beyond.
Potty training is a powerful opportunity to instil a growth mindset in your child. By focusing on effort, normalising mistakes, modelling resilience, setting realistic goals and encouraging independence, you can make potty training a rewarding experience that boosts your child's confidence and emotional intelligence. Embrace this opportunity with patience and watch your child grow in more ways than one.
Want to Take This Further?
If you're interested in more tips and personalised guidance on potty training, consider booking a one-to-one video consultation. We can make this journey a positive and empowering experience for you and your child. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards growth mindset potty training.
Extra Credit Homework
If this piques your interest, you can grab a copy of Dr Carol Dweck’s book ‘Mindset’ here:
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Reference
Claudia M. Mueller and Carol S. Dweck, "Praise for intelligence can undermine children's motivation and performance," Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1998, Volume: 75, Issue: 1, 33-52
