Growth Mindset in Fostering – Unlocking Potential

Children in care often come from backgrounds of trauma, neglect, or instability. These experiences can create a “fixed mindset,” where they feel incapable of change or stuck in their circumstances. As a foster carer, your mindset can shape how they view themselves and their potential.

For example:

• When a child struggles with schoolwork, encouraging phrases like, “You haven’t mastered this yet, but with effort, you can,” teaches them that improvement is possible.
• By modelling perseverance and optimism, you help them see setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

The power of yet

A simple word like “yet” can make all the difference. Imagine the shift from:

• “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet.”

“Yet” transforms failure into a temporary state, showing children that their abilities are not fixed. It encourages them to keep trying, even when things feel difficult.

Tips for using the power of yet:

• Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations like, “I haven’t figured this out yet, but I’m learning.”
• Celebrate small wins to reinforce the idea that effort leads to progress.

Challenges can feel daunting, but they’re essential for growth. Children in care often fear failure because they’ve experienced criticism or unrealistic expectations. As a foster carer, you can help them reframe challenges as opportunities to learn.

• Normalise failure as part of the learning process. Share your own stories of setbacks and how you overcame them.
• Praise effort and strategies rather than results. For instance, “I’m proud of how hard you worked on this,” shifts the focus from outcomes to effort.
• Create a safe space where children feel supported to try new things without fear of judgment.

One of the most exciting aspects of a growth mindset is its connection to neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt. This means that with consistent effort and new experiences, children can develop new skills, habits, and ways of thinking.

• The brain can form new connections at any age, making change possible for everyone.
• Positive reinforcement strengthens these pathways, so celebrate every step forward.
• Engaging in new activities, like learning a hobby or solving problems together, helps children see their progress over time.

The language you use as a foster carer can have a profound impact on the children in your care. Words have the power to shape beliefs about themselves and their abilities.

Harmful phrases to avoid:

• “You’ll never be good at this.”
• “People like us don’t succeed.”

Positive alternatives:

• “Let’s figure this out together.”
• “You’re improving every time you try.”

Modelling positive self-talk and encouraging belief in their ability to grow fosters a supportive environment where children feel valued and capable.

Here are simple ways to incorporate growth mindset principles into your fostering journey:

1. Celebrate effort over outcomes: Acknowledge hard work and perseverance, regardless of the result.
2. Encourage reflection: Ask questions like, “What did you learn from this experience?” to help children see value in setbacks.
3. Create opportunities for growth: Introduce challenges that align with their interests, such as cooking a new recipe or solving puzzles.
4. Be patient: Change takes time. Celebrate small victories and remain consistent in your encouragement.

Fostering is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. By embracing a growth mindset, you not only empower the children in your care to believe in their potential but also strengthen your own resilience and ability to navigate this important role. Remember, every effort you make contributes to building a brighter future for the children you support.

Start small, stay consistent, and watch the incredible transformations that unfold when you believe in the power of growth — for yourself and the young people in your care

Lika is a therapeutic fostering agency, rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Every decision we take is based on Systemic Family Therapy principles. That means relationships, openness and honesty are at the heart of everything we do. All Lika foster carers receive extensive training in Systemic Family Therapy principles and therapeutic parenting techniques.

It’s similar to the training a newly qualified social worker receives (although not quite as technical) — so you’ll be fully prepared for your first placement and be viewed as a professional foster carer in your own right.

Being a Lika foster carer means always receiving specialised and consistent support from our expert team of professionals.

Your support will include:

• 1 to 4 weekly supervisions with your supervising social worker to talk through and understand the needs of your young person
• 24/7 out-of-hours access to one of the Lika team, so you’re never unsupported if things feel difficult
• Access to Lika’s team of skilled and knowledgeable Systemic Psychotherapist Consultants and Systemic Social Work Practitioners, who are never stuck for ideas on how to support
• Virtual monthly foster carers support meeting, led and chaired by experienced foster carers
• Virtual fortnightly Therapeutic Family Consultations, facilitated by one of our psychotherapists and open to all our agency’s foster carers
• Membership to the National Association of Therapeutic Parents and The Fostering Network
• Life coaching for foster children, birth children and foster carers
• Our Mentor Support Scheme, which partners new foster carers with more experienced foster carers
• Free training for fostering support networks. (Your family and friends are welcome to join any of the training Lika offers.)
• Access to Lika’s support workers, depending on the level of need for the young person
• Access to Lika’s Educational Consultant, who can offer ideas and advocacy in supporting young people to achieve in education
• Help from Lika’s Systemic Social Work Practitioners/Therapists, who can undertake skilled direct work without waiting lists for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
• 14 to 21 days of paid respite (depending on complexity) to recharge your batteries and have some space for self-care.

If you’re in south or east London and you’re interested in becoming a foster carer, give the helpful team at Lika a call on 020 3370 0987. We’re here to answer all your questions.

We’re currently in: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Brent, Bexley, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Croydon, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing, Haringey, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Westminster, Enfield, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Kingston upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames, Waltham Forest, Harrow and Essex.