{"id":23838,"date":"2020-02-25T10:33:34","date_gmt":"2020-02-25T10:33:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.potentialplusuk.org\/?p=23838"},"modified":"2024-08-15T15:30:06","modified_gmt":"2024-08-15T14:30:06","slug":"hlp-parenting-cant-cope-try-nurturing-a-growth-mindset","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/potentialplusuk.org\/index.php\/2020\/02\/25\/hlp-parenting-cant-cope-try-nurturing-a-growth-mindset\/","title":{"rendered":"High Learning Potential Parenting: \u201cCan\u2019t Cope?\u201d \u2013 Try Nurturing A Growth Mindset"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all sometimes wail \u201cI CAN\u2019T cope!\u201d, \u201cI am at the END of my patience!\u201d, or \u201cI AM A FAILURE in the face of a child with high learning potential!\u201d Can \u2018growth mindset\u2019 thinking help us to cope better as parents and carers of children with high learning potential?<\/p>\n

What is Growth\/Fixed Mindset? <\/strong><\/p>\n

In \u201c10 Questions about Mindset and High Learning Potential<\/a>\u201d, <\/em>the blog describes how the buzzwords \u2018growth mindset\u2019 and \u2018fixed mindset\u2019 burst onto the scene in 2006 when educational researcher and psychologist Carol Dweck released her book, Mindset; the New Psychology of Success<\/em>. It also explained some key terms, including:<\/p>\n

Growth Mindset \u2013 <\/strong>the belief that one can boost intelligence and develop new skills through effort, tenacity, experience and learning from others. Everyone follows a different path and fulfilling one\u2019s individual potential can require perseverance and possibly hours or years of hard work.<\/p>\n

Fixed Mindset \u2013 <\/strong>the belief that certain skills are \u2018for others\u2019; that one\u2019s ability levels are set in stone and cannot be improved upon; and that effort is a bad thing \u2013 an undesirable indication that you don\u2019t have (and never will have) the required ability. Fixed mindset makes young and old alike afraid to tackle new projects or hobbies as they don\u2019t want to \u2018look stupid\u2019.<\/p>\n

Saying that you \u201cCAN\u2019T cope\u201d is applying a fixed mindset to your experience of parenting a gifted child, instead of growing through it.<\/p>\n

Why Do I Get Triggered and Feel So Overwhelmed? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Feeling overwhelmed is a common trait for parents of children with high learning potential. Often a trigger is the immediate situation we are presented with. Depending on the age of your child this could be: \u201cI really \u2018can\u2019t cope\u2019 with you: waking me up in the night to discuss the solar system\/rejecting certain foods or clothing\/refusing to get into the car\/arguing with me about homework\/running rings around me mentally..!\u201d<\/p>\n

Underlying this is also the barrage of intensity and persistence often linked to dealing with a young person with high learning potential. This can trigger people day in, day out\u2026and even during the night!<\/p>\n

Another trigger is rooted in our own individual life story to this point. Ask yourself, how have I been \u2018taught\u2019 to think, what do I believe about myself and my capabilities \u2013 and what is my related \u2018mindset\u2019?<\/p>\n

How, therefore can you grow beyond these negative feelings?<\/p>\n

From \u2018Not Yet\u2019 to \u2018Now!\u2019\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Carol Dwight firmly believes in the power of \u2018Not Yet\u2019<\/em>. For example, \u201cI \u2018can\u2019t cope\u2019\u2026yet<\/em>!\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m learning, but I have not yet<\/em> managed to keep calm\/get everyone to bed on time\/learned how to encourage high learning potential thinking in my child even when their understanding is beyond mine\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

After conducting a specialist High Learning Potential Assessment for Children<\/a>, Potential Plus UK sometimes encourages a child to consider \u201cwhat it is they need more of; time, practise, help or information\u201d. These principles apply equally to us as adults. If we \u2018can\u2019t cope\u2019, (well, not yet<\/em>\u2026), what is it that we need more of? Seek out the expert resources, books, classes or personal trainer you need to support you on your own journey.<\/p>\n

Fostering Growth Mindset in Adults <\/strong><\/p>\n

7 Growth Mindset Activities For Adults<\/a>, suggests great strategies for getting started, persisting, considering a journal or setting \u2018SMART goals\u2019 and gives pointers for further research. Remember, as with steady progress at the gym, \u201cyour abilities are something you can grow over time, like a muscle\u201d.<\/p>\n

Top Lifestyle Tips! <\/strong><\/p>\n

Surround yourself only with honest, wise, positive influencers with a growth mindset. This doesn\u2019t just mean the friends you spend your time with, but also how much attention you give to colleagues, tv soaps or social media.<\/p>\n

Learn with your young person with high learning potential and develop growth mindset together<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Observe how you verbally encourage your child; use the same words to nurture and motivate yourself!<\/p>\n

To keep you on course, how about some artwork for your home or workplace?<\/p>\n