Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset

Mindset Matters: How Children Learn to Believe in Themselves

At Zen Tutoring, we often talk about confidence. But true confidence does not come from always getting things right. It comes from learning how to keep going when things feel hard. This is the heart of what psychologists call mindset.

A child’s mindset shapes how they see mistakes, how they respond to feedback, and how they feel about their own ability to grow. When nurtured gently and consistently, the right mindset can transform how a child learns and how they feel about learning.

What Is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset is the belief that we are not fixed. That our intelligence, talents and abilities are not set in stone, but can grow with time, effort and support. When children believe they can improve, they become more willing to try. They take more risks. They bounce back after setbacks. They see mistakes not as proof they are failing, but as signs they are learning.

We see this often in our sessions. A child who once said “I can’t” begins to say “I’ll try.” A child who used to panic at the sight of a tricky word now breaks it down, sounds it out, and keeps going.

The Alternative: A Fixed Mindset

Children with a fixed mindset often feel that success comes from being naturally good at something. If they struggle, they might assume they are simply “not good at it.” This can lead to fear of failure, reluctance to try new things, or even giving up before they begin.

At Zen Tutoring, we gently challenge that belief. We help children reframe the way they talk to themselves. Instead of “I can’t do this,” we introduce “I can’t do this yet.” That small shift in thinking creates space for growth.

How We Build a Growth Mindset in Our Sessions

Our teaching style is designed to celebrate effort, not just answers. We slow things down. We give children time to think, to reflect and to try again. We praise perseverance and progress, not perfection.

We also create a calm and supportive environment where feedback is not something to fear, but something to learn from. Our aim is not just to teach a subject. It is to help each child believe that they are capable of learning anything with the right support and mindset.

If your child needs more than just tutoring, if they need belief in themselves, we would love to support them!

Get in touch to find out how our Zen Tutoring approach helps build both skill and self-esteem.