Episode 50: Fostering a Growth Mindset

Dr. Carol Dweck wrote a great book called Mindset: The Psychology of Success, and we talk about it in this episode. Everyone talks about having a growth mindset, but how do you do that? What does that look like? And why is this so vital, especially for foster kids? Developing a growth mindset, which is not easy, or natural. But with effort and the right attitude, it can happen. In this episode, other random things we discussed: Where does the name 'Dweck' originate from? Carol Dweck is from New York (is NOT blond. My mistake) and is of Jewish descent. It is easy for kids (and adults) to have a fixed mindset, and it takes intentional language and attitudes to develop a growth mindset for yourself, and your children. Instead of complimenting children on the fact that they are smart, it is better to highlight the effort and attitude that went into their success. 'Hillbilly Elegy' by J.D. Vance We mentioned this book (very well worth the read!) and it's such a great example of having a growth mindset despite growing up among a culture that was stuck in a fixed mindset. His growth mindset was pivotal to his success, as were his grandparents, who really helped to encourage him to achieve more than what he saw around him. “If you believe that hard work pays off, then you work hard; if you think it’s hard to get ahead even when you try, then why try at all? Similarly, when people do fail, this mind-set allows them to look outward... His status in life is directly attributable to the choices he’s made, and his life will improve only through better decisions. But for him to make better choices, he needs to live in an environment that forces him to ask tough questions about himself. J.D. Vance Vanessa Hicks is an amazing photographer based in Hawaii. She openly shares how hard her past was, to encourage those who may find themselves in similar circumstances. Many of those hard things were not of her choosing. But instead of having a fixed mindset, and staying stuck, she broke free and has created a life that she loves, for her and her kids. She recently shared this post on FB: I can't do that... This is a common phrase uttered for those stuck in a fixed mindset. (And disclaimer, we may have a growth mindset in some areas of our lives, while having a fixed mindset in others.) Something we struggled with was having a 'holier than thou mindset' as new foster parents. And our 'we can't do that' attitude translated into whether we could help other people, especially in terms of serving at church. But we broke free of that mindset, and we are so happy to be serving in the 456 ministry at our church. What areas in your life are you stuck in the 'I can't do that...'? ASMR Jerry Eats Food Videos So, we have some sweet friends - Dee and Jerry Lavigne. They are LEGIT YouTubers. And we are actually fortunate enough to be using their podcasting equipment (for episode 49 and 50) while they are on a break from their Deenut Butter And Jerry Podcast. Jihae's 'Lightbulb moment of the week was that the kids LOVE these ASMR videos. They had never seen them before, and Cate even educated us on the magic of ASMR Soap Cutting. Very satisfying. The (Good) Word of the Day 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8 See, we can possess these qualities in increasing measure! It doesn't say we are given a special amount at birth and that's it. We have to make EVERY EFFORT to add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, AND love, to our faith. We have to try. Trying shows growth. This is always a good thing. We will be having a GIVEAWAY with this episode to celebrate #50! We are always so thankful for our friends, Bekah and Kevin Tinter, of Tinter Health, for donating a $100 Amazon Gift Card for one lucky winner! And we will also be giving away a copy of Mindset to a runner up! Thanks for tuning in, friends! If you want to connect on Social Media: You can find us at: Jihae Watson on Facebook Chris Watson on Facebook Fostering Voices on Instagram Jihae Watson on Instagram AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast so we can share these voices from the foster care and adoption community with more people!