Lesson Tag: confidence

The way adults—both parents and educators—talk about their own abilities and challenges sends powerful messages to the youth they influence. This session explores how fixed and growth mindsets impact self-esteem and motivation in children and students. By understanding the connection between adult self-talk, feedback language, and student behavior, educators can better guide parents and foster a supportive environment for learning and personal growth.

This class, originally created for parents, offers valuable insights for educators as well. It provides tools to support conversations with families about mindset and self-esteem, helping to create a community-wide approach to empowering students.

Gifted students are more likely to hold a “fixed mindset,” which may hold them back from trying new things or reaching their full potential. They may believe they should only do things at which they are excellent. The way families and educators give feedback can reinforce a frame of mind that supports those limiting beliefs or the confidence to try new experiences. Learn about language you can use to support courage and independence in your gifted student. You will also gain skills in coaching your child back to confidence after a failure.  

Parents and educators may not realize that the messages you are sending about your own confidence and well-being affect the youth you raise. Learn more about the connection between self-esteem and growth mindset. Make a plan to change your feedback language and self-talk on behalf of yourself and your children or students.

Gifted students are more likely to hold a “fixed mindset,” which may hold them back from trying new things or reaching their full potential. They may believe they should only do things at which they are excellent. The way families and educators give feedback can reinforce a frame of mind that supports those limiting beliefs or the confidence to try new experiences. Learn about the language you can use to support courage and independence in your gifted student. You will also gain skills in coaching your child back to confidence after a failure.