Unlocking the Power of a Growth Mindset for Families 🌱

At Sit Beside, we believe that growth is a family journey, and collaboration is key to unlocking potential. That’s why we teamed up with Courtney Huckabay, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC, from Terra Therapies, to co-lead our Mindset Maintenance Workshop. Together, we created a transformative experience for families, blending the expertise of an experienced educator and a licensed counselor.

This six-week workshop wasn’t just about building academic skills; it was about equipping families with tools for resilience, confidence, and lifelong learning. With our combined strengths, we guided children and parents through the science, tools, and strategies that make a Growth Mindset attainable for every family member.

What is a Growth Mindset?

Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, a Growth Mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning from mistakes. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes skills and intelligence are static traits.

When children embrace a Growth Mindset, they’re more likely to:

• Tackle challenges with confidence.

• View mistakes as learning opportunities.

• Persist through difficult tasks.

For parents, modeling a Growth Mindset is equally important. Encouraging effort over outcomes and demonstrating resilience can profoundly influence how children approach their own challenges.

How the Workshop Came Together

This workshop’s success lay in its co-taught design, blending the expertise of two fields:

• Jennifer Hannah, M.Ed. (Sit Beside):
  A veteran educator with over 20 years of experience, Jennifer brought her deep understanding of academic strategies, child development, and family engagement to the program.

• Courtney Huckabay, LPC-S, RPT-S, NCC (Terra Therapies):
  With her extensive background in counseling and parent education, Courtney provided tools for emotional regulation, stress management, and fostering connection within families.

Together, we combined our unique perspectives to create a program that addressed both the cognitive and emotional aspects of growth.

Lessons from the Workshop

Over six weeks, we led families through hands-on, engaging sessions that built resilience and confidence:

1. Understanding Neuroplasticity
   Children explored how their brains grow and adapt through effort and practice. Activities like building clay brain models helped them visualize neuroplasticity, turning mistakes into stepping stones.

2. Managing Emotions
   Using tools like the Zones of Regulation and the Feelings Thermometer, families learned to recognize and manage emotions during stressful moments.

3. The Power of Yet
   Frameworks like the Tree of Yet and VITALS for Success reframed challenges as opportunities, helping participants develop positive self-talk and persistence.

4. Collaborative Problem-Solving
   Through interactive puzzles, tangrams, and games, children practiced breaking tasks into manageable steps and seeking help when needed.

5. Parent Support Sessions
   While children engaged in activities, parents participated in guided sessions led by Courtney, exploring ways to foster a Growth Mindset at home and reflecting on their own approaches to challenges.

How to Foster a Growth Mindset at Home

Here are some actionable tips to bring these workshop lessons into your family’s daily life:

• Celebrate Effort Over Outcome
  Acknowledge hard work and persistence rather than just results. Say, “I’m proud of how much effort you put into this,” to reinforce the value of growth.

• Reframe Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
  Encourage reflection by asking, “What did you learn from this mistake?” rather than focusing on what went wrong.

• Model Resilience
  Share your own stories of overcoming challenges to show that growth takes time and perseverance.

• Create a Safe Space for Challenges
  Encourage your child to try new things, emphasizing that failure is a natural part of growth.

• Practice the Power of Yet
  When faced with discouragement, remind your child to add “yet” to their statements, e.g., “I can’t do this yet.”

Why Growth Mindset Matters

Adopting a Growth Mindset isn’t just about academic success—it’s about equipping children and families with tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and optimism. The co-taught nature of our program ensured that both the cognitive and emotional aspects of growth were addressed, creating a holistic foundation for resilience and connection.

Ready to Grow Together?

Sit Beside and Terra Therapies are dedicated to supporting families on their journey toward growth and confidence. Whether through workshops, tutoring, or one-on-one consultations, we’re here to help you build skills that last a lifetime.

👉 Learn More About Our Programs

Let’s grow together—To the BUS! 🚍✨

About Sit Beside

Sit Beside is a mobile learning studio in Fort Worth, Texas, offering small group tutoring, unique learning experiences, and holistic academic support. Learn more at www.sitbeside.com or follow us on social media for updates and inspiration.