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.

Carol S. Dweck’s quote, "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," explores the potential consequences of praising children for their intellectual abilities rather than their effort or perseverance. Dweck argues that by focusing on a child's intelligence, we inadvertently create an environment where children are more concerned with appearing smart and avoiding mistakes than with learning, growing, and developing resilience. This kind of praise can lead to a fixed mindset, where children become afraid of failure because they believe their worth is tied to how intelligent they appear.

The quote emphasizes the idea that when children are praised for being smart, they may feel pressure to maintain that image and avoid challenges that could lead to mistakes. They may fear that making a mistake reflects poorly on their intelligence and could diminish their self-worth. This can discourage them from taking risks or trying new things, limiting their potential for growth and learning. In contrast, if children are praised for their effort, process, and willingness to learn from their mistakes, they are more likely to develop a growth mindset—believing that they can improve and succeed through effort and perseverance.

Dweck's research on the growth mindset versus the fixed mindset underscores the importance of encouraging children to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for learning. When children understand that intelligence can be developed over time, they are more likely to approach problems with determination and resilience, rather than avoiding them out of fear of failure. This mindset shift encourages a focus on effort and learning, which fosters long-term success and personal growth.

The origin of the quote comes from Dweck’s pioneering work in the field of psychology, particularly her research on the impact of mindsets on learning and achievement. Her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success elaborates on the concepts of growth mindset and fixed mindset, explaining how different ways of thinking about intelligence can shape children’s academic and personal development. This quote encapsulates the idea that the way we praise children can have a lasting impact on their approach to learning and challenges.