Children Quote by Carol S. Dweck
“Emphasizing effort gives a child a variable that they can control. They come to see themselves as in control of their success. Emphasizing natural intelligence takes it out of the child's control, and it provides no good recipe for responding to a failure.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol S. Dweck, 2006
Emphasizing effort teaches children they can influence outcomes, fostering resilience; focusing on innate talent removes agency and hampers coping with setbacks.
In simple terms: Effort mindset gives control; talent mindset removes it.
Key Takeaway
Teach growth mindset for resilience.
Themes
growth
resilience
agency
education
Mood
encouraging
reflective
Type
educational
psychological
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- parenting
- coaching
- sports training
Key Concepts
mindset theory
self‑efficacy
motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance effort praise with realistic expectations?
- What supports help children handle inevitable failures?
A Different Perspective
Children may still struggle despite effort emphasis; external factors matter.
