ABSTRACT
Parents often struggle with the nature/nurture debate and can attribute a child’s success or lack of success to genetics. Parents, teachers, coaches, scout leaders, and other adult role models should never blame genetics for perceived capabilities. If any adult in a child’s life communicates low expectations either verbally or nonverbally, then achievement can suffer. Information about growth and fixed mindsets, encouraging resilience, basic brain operations, and ways to praise their children are essential concepts that can be shared with parents. A central message to communicate with parents is the importance of encouraging resilience in their children. Parents often overlook opportunities for helping children learn to adjust to situations when they are faced with adversity or lack of success. Educate parents about neural connections so that they can be aware of the importance of practice and persistence. Many parents naturally embrace a growth mindset mentality as simply a part of who they are themselves.
