Challenge choice time
3–4 yearsSuccess MindsetMaterials: Two activities of different difficulty levels
Offer your child a choice between an easy activity they've mastered and a harder one that will stretch their skills. Talk about how choosing challenges helps our brains grow stronger. When they pick the harder option, celebrate their choice to challenge themselves, regardless of the outcome.
Part of the Imprint developmental journey — personalized to your child.
How to Do This Activity
Offer your child a choice between an easy activity they've mastered and a harder one that will stretch their skills. Talk about how choosing challenges helps our brains grow stronger. When they pick the harder option, celebrate their choice to challenge themselves, regardless of the outcome.
Why It Works
Children with growth mindset actively seek challenging tasks because they understand that challenges help them learn and improve. By explicitly offering choices and discussing challenge-seeking, you help your child develop the belief that difficult tasks are opportunities rather than threats. Research demonstrates that students with growth mindset show greater resilience and actively pursue challenges.
(Blackwell, L. S., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). Implicit theories of intelligence predict achievement across an adolescent transition: A longitudinal study and an intervention. Child Development, 78(1), 246-263.)
Tips for Parents
Frame choices neutrally: 'This puzzle is easier because you've done it before. This one is trickier because the pieces are smaller. Which do you want to try?'
If they choose the easy option, respect it and try again another day. If they choose the challenge, focus your praise on the choice itself: 'You picked the trickier one. That takes courage.'
Materials Needed
Two activities of different difficulty levels
Learning Methods
Inquiry-Based LearningStructured Learning ActivitiesProject-Based Learning
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