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Many Parents Make This Fatal Mistake When Praising Their Kids, Warns a Psychologist Who Studies Success In 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success,' psychologist Carol Dweck reveals the right way to recognize children's accomplishments for long-term success.

By Amanda Breen

Key Takeaways

  • Many parents with the best intentions inadvertently foster a fixed mindset in their children.
  • Dweck provides several examples of such limiting praise — and of better ways to give it.

Praise can increase children's motivation and inspire them to be more cooperative, persistent and hardworking, research shows — but only if it's doled out the right way.

Yes, certain types of praise commonly lavished on kids by parents, teachers and coaches can actually be counterproductive to their long-term success, psychologist Carol Dweck explains in the updated edition of her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

Related: Coaching and Parenting Have Similar Goals But It's a Big Mistake to Do Them the Same Way

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