MOOD & MINDSET - SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

Children are natural storytellers — not just in their play, but in how they interpret the world around them. The way a child “tells the story” of a difficult event (“I’m rubbish at this”, “Everyone laughed at me”, “I’ll never get it right”) can shape how they feel and behave. Parents can play a powerful role in reshaping that story into one of strength, learning, and self-belief.

🧠 Why Mindset Matters

Children who develop a positive, flexible mindset are more likely to:

  • Bounce back from mistakes

  • Keep trying when things get tough

  • Feel confident in their abilities

  • Be open to learning and growing

Helping your child shift their inner voice from self-criticism to self-encouragement builds emotional resilience and a more positive outlook.

🌱 Tips for Supporting a Positive Mindset

🗣️ Model Optimism

Let your child hear how you turn your own struggles around:

“That meeting was hard, but I’m proud I got through it.”
“This didn’t go as planned — I’ll try a different way tomorrow.”

🎯 Focus on Effort Over Outcome

Praise the trying, not just the success:

“I noticed you didn’t give up — that was brave.”

✍️ Create a “Wins Journal”

Write or draw one small success each day: something they tried, learned, or enjoyed.

🔄 Use “Flip Thinking”

Help your child flip a negative thought:

“I got it wrong” → “That means I’m learning.”
“It was embarrassing” → “I was brave to try.”

❤️ Be Patient and Gentle

Positive thinking doesn’t mean ignoring problems — it means helping your child see possibilities, even when things are hard.


💬 What Parents Can Say to Help Reframe the Story

WHEN A CHILD SAYS ...

YOU COULD RESPOND WITH ...

“I can’t do this.”

You can’t do it yet — but you’re learning.”

“Everyone is better than me.”

“Everyone learns at their own pace. Let’s look at how far you’ve come.”

“I made a mistake.”

Mistakes help your brain grow — what did you learn?”

“It was a bad day.”

“What was one thing that went okay today?”

Northway Community Primary School
Dodds Lane,
Maghull,
Merseyside L31 9AA
Main Contact: Mrs C Booth
SEN Contact: Mrs L Sumner