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Every few years, secular culture seems to choose a humanist darling: a theory or ideology that as Catholics we can see is grasping for God.
The KonMari craze? A need for detachment from material wealth and belongings.
Mindfulness? A desire to be one with the heart of God.
This is kind of how I feel about the ever-present drive to develop a growth mindset: a way of thinking that turns obstacles into stepping stones. Popular in schools and corporate offices across the nation since 2007, the theory seeks to reframe the way we think about mistakes and our ability to learn things.
Once we begin to accept mistakes as part of the learning process, our unlimited potential is untapped.
Or something.
I first heard of the growth mindset philosophy a few years ago via the mother of a student I used to teach. She asked me if I had any knowledge of the theory and subsequently if I could help her son learn to develop it. The concept seemed promising at first blush.
The more I dug into growth mindset, however, the more skeptical I became. There was a clear disconnect between what I understood about truth and goodness and what the mainstream philosophy wanted to tout.
Struggling with a school subject? No worries! You can learn anything!
Positive thinking is the key to who you will become!
Challenges and failures lead to success in your personal achievements!
It was like biting into a Boston Creme donut only to discover the filling was left out.
You know: hollow. Disappointing. Everything our Catholic faith is not.
Some would say I’m a little biased and that my Catholic faith colors everything. But why shouldn’t it, especially when we’re faced with an onslaught of secular humanism aimed precisely at our kids?
Our children deserve the Truth of Church teaching, not a watered-down version that misses the proverbial mark. Fortunately, as with most things, the Church in her wisdom cornered the market on growth mindset in the days of antiquity.
Our kids need to know what a Catholic growth mindset is all about.
A Catholic growth mindset doesn’t just teach kids they can do anything, but that they can do anything through Christ.
A Catholic growth mindset teaches the value of redemptive suffering, not personal achievement for achievement’s sake.
A Catholic growth mindset doesn’t just encourage growth in abilities; it encourages our children to become the individual God designed.
How do you help your child develop a growth mindset rooted in Catholic teaching?
You can find an extensive discussion at NotSoFormulaic.com, but for the short version:
- Start with Scripture, especially those verses which encourage growth through Christ’s graces. Philippians 1:6 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 come to mind.
- Dive into the Cardinal and Theological virtues. Fortitude is a great place to start.
- Study the lives of the saints and other holy men and women -- especially those who faced great struggle and strife.
- Live out the Works of Mercy to give your kids hands-on service experience. Doing hard things for the benefit of others helps us to develop a growth mindset naturally.
The Lord God has no one but you. You’d better get off your lead bottoms and go out and change this pagan world. (Mother Angelica)
How do you help your children do anything through Christ?
Copyright 2019 Ginny Kochis
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