Teaching Kids Resilience By Using Words Like “Not Yet” Over “I Can’t”

What is the power of words like “yet”, and why is it such a transformative concept for children? At its core, the power of phrases like “not yet” teaches children that skills, knowledge, and abilities are not fixed traits—they can grow and improve with effort, time, and persistence. 

This approach reframes failure and struggle as necessary steps on the path to success, fostering resilience and self-belief. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” children can say, “I can’t do this yet,” which opens the door to possibilities and emphasizes that learning is a journey, not a destination.

This article is for parents and teachers who want to empower their children to face life’s challenges with confidence and optimism. You’ll learn how to introduce the power of yet, practical ways to teach it, and strategies to create an environment where growth and resilience flourish to handle the curveballs of life. . 

Why Is a Growth Mindset Important for Kids?

A growth mindset helps children understand that intelligence and abilities aren’t fixed traits. Instead, these qualities can be developed through continuous learning, effort, and persistence. The power of yet is an essential component of this mindset, as it frames challenges as temporary and conquerable rather than insurmountable. It helps children shift their perspective on failure and setbacks.

Children with a growth mindset are more likely to approach challenges with confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. For young children, developing a growth mindset early lays a strong foundation for handling life’s challenges with confidence, persistence, and optimism. Let’s explore the core reasons why this mindset is so crucial:

Helps Kids Approach Problems With Confidence

Children who adopt the power of yet are less likely to shy away from challenges. Instead of feeling defeated when something is difficult, they see it as an opportunity to grow. 

For example, a child struggling with tying their shoes might feel frustrated and give up if they think, “I’ll never get this.” However, when they think, “I can’t do this yet, but I will with practice,” it changes their entire approach. This positive mindset empowers them to face challenges head-on and builds a belief in their ability to overcome obstacles.

Confidence in tackling problems doesn’t just help in academics—it’s a skill that translates into all areas of life, including relationships, hobbies, and future careers.

Builds Problem-Solving Skills and Persistence

The power of yet reinforces the value of persistence and problem-solving. Instead of giving up at the first sign of difficulty, children learn to break challenges into smaller steps, test different solutions, and try again when they fail. 

For example, a child learning how to draw might become frustrated with their early attempts. Teaching them to embrace the mindset of “I’m not good at this yet, but practice will help me improve,” allows them to focus on growth instead of perfection.

This approach nurtures resilience, helping children develop persistence that will serve them throughout their lives. Whether they’re solving a tricky math problem, building a complex LEGO structure, or navigating a friendship conflict, this mindset gives them the tools to keep going.

Kids See Mistakes as an Opportunity to Learn

Many children fear mistakes because they associate them with failure or inadequacy. The power of yet reframes mistakes as valuable learning experiences. A child who sees a mistake as a step toward improvement is more likely to experiment, take risks, and explore creative solutions.

For example, if a child gets a question wrong on a spelling test, instead of feeling like they’ve failed, they can think, “I don’t know how to spell this word yet, but I’ll learn it.” This mindset fosters curiosity, continuous learning, and the belief that effort leads to progress. Over time, this perspective builds not only academic success but also emotional resilience.

How to Introduce the Power of Yet to Children

Introducing the power of yet to children involves intentional modeling, consistent reinforcement, and creating opportunities for them to practice this mindset in daily life. Here’s how you can start:

Model the Language

Children learn by observing the adults around them. If you want to teach them the power of yet, it’s essential to model this mindset in your own behavior. For instance, if you’re trying to learn a new skill—like cooking a new recipe or assembling furniture—say things like, “I haven’t figured this out yet, but I’m making progress.”

When children see you embrace challenges with optimism and persistence, they’ll understand that it’s okay to struggle and that success comes through effort. This consistent modeling helps normalize the idea that learning is a process.

Use Positive Self-Talk

Negative self-talk, like saying “I’m bad at this,” can discourage children and create fixed mindsets. Instead, encourage them to use positive, growth-oriented language. For example, when they encounter a difficult task, prompt them to say, “I can’t do this yet, but I’ll get there with practice.”

Over time, this shift in language not only builds confidence but also teaches children to reframe challenges in a more constructive way. You can practice this together by role-playing scenarios where they use the power of yet to turn negative thoughts into positive ones.

Share Your Success Stories and Examples

Children are inspired by relatable success stories. Share moments from your own life when you overcame obstacles through persistence and effort. For example, you could talk about a time when you struggled with a subject in school but eventually succeeded through hard work.

Hearing these stories helps children see that setbacks are normal and that success through effort is achievable. It also creates a sense of connection and trust, showing them that they’re not alone in their struggles.

Practical Ways to Teach the Power of Yet

Practical, engaging activities are an excellent way to teach children the power of yet. These methods make the concept tangible and fun, helping them internalize the mindset through hands-on experiences:

Challenge of the Week Activity

Set a weekly challenge that encourages children to work on a skill they find difficult. For example, if your child struggles with writing, set a goal to write a short story by the end of the week. Break it into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate their progress.

This activity emphasizes effort and growth rather than immediate success, teaching them that progress comes through persistence.

Problem-Solving Games

Games like puzzles, brainteasers, or strategy-based board games are excellent tools for teaching persistence. When children face a challenging game, encourage them to say, “I haven’t solved this yet, but I’ll keep trying.”

These activities not only build problem-solving skills but also provide a safe space for children to practice overcoming frustration and finding solutions.

Growth Journals

Encourage children to keep a journal where they reflect on their progress, challenges, and accomplishments. They can write about moments when they felt stuck but eventually succeeded, or set goals for skills they want to improve.

A growth journal serves as a visual reminder of their journey, reinforcing the idea that effort leads to progress.

Progress Charts

Create progress charts to track milestones in a specific area, like learning to read or mastering a sport. For instance, if your child is learning to swim, you could chart their progress as they complete small goals, like floating or swimming a certain distance.

Visualizing their growth helps children see the value of effort and motivates them to keep going.

How Parents & Teachers Can Foster a Growth Environment

A supportive environment is crucial for reinforcing the power of yet. Parents and teachers play a key role in shaping children’s mindsets through their words, actions, and feedback.

Avoid Using Negative Labels

Avoid phrases like, “You’re just not good at this,” which can discourage children and create fixed mindsets. Instead, focus on their effort and progress. For example, if a child struggles with reading, say, “You’ve made so much progress already, and I know you’ll get there with practice.”

Negative labels, even unintentionally, can stick with children and make them doubt their abilities. By using positive, growth-oriented language, you help them focus on what they can achieve.

Provide Constructive Feedback

Feedback should always encourage improvement and effort. Instead of simply praising the outcome, focus on the process. For example, say, “I noticed how hard you worked to solve that problem. That persistence paid off.”

This type of feedback emphasizes the importance of effort and teaches children that success is achieved through continuous learning and practice.

Encourage Curiosity and Exploration

Curiosity is the foundation of lifelong learning. Encourage children to explore their interests and try new things, even if they find them challenging. For example, if they’re interested in music, support them as they learn an instrument, even if progress is slow.

Creating an environment that celebrates curiosity helps children see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.

The power of yet is more than a simple phrase—it’s a transformative mindset that teaches children to embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and view mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. By modeling this mindset, introducing it through practical activities, and fostering a supportive environment, you can help the children in your life develop resilience and a love for continuous learning.

Are you ready to empower children with the power of yet? Contact Kong Academy today to learn more about fostering growth mindsets and creating opportunities for growth. If you’re in the Seattle area check out our programs here.