Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2374:

Jay and Heather Harrington highlight the importance of praising children for their effort rather than innate abilities. Drawing from research, they explain how "process praise" fosters a growth mindset, intrinsic motivation, and helps kids prioritize meaning over happiness. This approach encourages long-term resilience, helping children navigate challenges without over-relying on external validation.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.lifeandwhim.com/first-moments-blog/raising-well-adjusted-motivated-children-3-reasons-to-praise-the-process-not-the-pers

Quotes to ponder:

"When we praise children for their intelligence, we tell them that this is the name of the game: look smart, don’t risk making mistakes."

"Process praise celebrates kids for effort and the processes they use to learn and grow."

"Meaning and happiness are not the same thing. People who lead meaningful lives tend to be happy, but these two qualities do not always correlate."

Episode references:

Carol Dweck's "Growth Mindset" Theory: https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/

Nurture Shock: https://www.amazon.com/NurtureShock-New-Thinking-About-Children/dp/0446504122

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices