How can such a simple three letter word can make such a difference in the mindset of your child (and yourself)? You all most likely know the phrase “good things take time, and good things are worth waiting for,” right? Well the word yet helps us to realize just that.
I don’t get this… Yet!
Your choice of words is an important way in which you can create a happy world view, a positive view to open yourself up to new possibilities. Using the word “yet” in negative statements indicates that something has not happened, which opens it up to the possibility that it will happen.
This doesn’t make sense… Yet!
In today’s world of instant gratification and social media, we often don’t see the hard work, practice, and failure that it took to reach the final success. So the next time your child is struggling with something, or says something doesn’t make sense, try using the word yet. You can remind them that deeper understanding takes time. You can remind them that we all need to allow ourselves some more time to ask more questions, work with others to try new strategies, or practice more to master the material or skill.
You’ll be surprised that by using that phrase consistently, changes to their mindset will begin to happen. Using ‘yet’ brings hope. It ignites a ‘can-do’ attitude and creates an encouraging environment that helps build confidence that through perseverance anything is possible.
I’m not good at this… Yet!
The use of the word “yet” when faced with adversity can be a powerful strategy that will support the love of lifelong learning. Such a simple reminder to persevere through the rough spots can be the difference between one who gives up on a problem and one who sees that the answer to a problem will come with more effort, questions, or use of additional strategies. Our lives will always be filled with different obstacles and by helping your child create this growth mindset, they can be better prepared for the future.
I can’t do this… Yet!
Give it a try today with your child (and yourself)! Reward the process, the hard work, and perseverance it takes to get to the end goal. If it helps, print off the power of yet poster and put it on the fridge or place you see it everyday. I think you’ll be surprised by the subtle changes you begin seeing in the whole family!
About the author:
Adam is the Community Engagement Team Lead/Health Educator at the Health Department. Adam has been with JCHD for over 4 years, and in the field of public health for close to 7 years! Adam enjoys working with county youth to help build strong, healthy habits they can take with them for the rest of their lives! In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and hiking with his wife Morgan
MCH Publicity Statement: This project is/was funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Maternal and Child Health Services Contract #AOC18380095, and is/was supported by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant #B04MC30623, Maternal and Child Health Services for $12,107,084, of which $0 is from non-governmental sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.