5 Mindset Tools Parents Can Teach Their Kids Today

Parenting today comes with a unique set of challenges. In a world flooded with screens, pressures, and constant comparisons, helping our children build strong, healthy minds is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.

On the Today’s Mama Podcast, sports psychologist Riley Jensen shared powerful mindset tools that aren’t just for elite athletes — they’re essential strategies every parent can teach their children. Here’s a look at 5 simple, impactful mindset tools you can start using with your kids today:

1. Teach Them to STOP Over-Apologizing

Many kids (and adults) fall into the habit of apologizing constantly: “I’m sorry I’m late,” “I’m sorry I messed up,” “I’m sorry I asked a question.”

Riley’s advice: Instead of always apologizing, shift to gratitude.

Example:

Instead of: “Sorry I’m late.”
Say: “Thank you for waiting for me.”

Why it matters:

Builds self-confidence
Reduces unnecessary guilt
Strengthens positive communication skills

Key takeaway for parents: Model this yourself. Praise your kids when they use gratitude language instead of reflexively apologizing.

2. Introduce the “WIN” Mindset: What’s Important Now

Kids often spiral after a mistake, dwelling on what went wrong. Teaching them to ask “What’s Important Now?” helps them refocus and stay present.

How to use it:

After a missed soccer goal or tough test, coach them to pause and ask, “WIN — What’s important now?”
Help them shift energy toward the next positive action instead of staying stuck in regret.

Why it matters:

Builds emotional resilience
Promotes problem-solving
Strengthens focus and recovery skills

Key takeaway for parents: Make “WIN” part of your family language after challenges big and small.

3. Harness the Power of “Yet”

When a child says, “I’m not good at math,” or “I can’t do this,” the simple addition of “yet” changes everything.

Example:

“I’m not good at math…yet.”
“I can’t ride a bike…yet.”

Why it matters:

Instills a growth mindset
Encourages perseverance
Reminds them that skills are built over time, not overnight

Key takeaway for parents: Every time you hear negativity about ability, prompt your child to add “yet.”

“YET is like calling timeout and adding more time to the clock. It buys you time to grow.” — Riley Jensen

4. Fight Negative Self-Talk with “Counterpunching”

Research shows that up to 77% of our self-talk is negative. Kids need tools to recognize and combat those inner critics early.

How to counter negative self-talk:

When your child says, “I’m bad at sports,” teach them to immediately say, “That’s not true. I’m learning and getting better every day.”

Why it matters:

Reduces anxiety and self-doubt
Builds internal confidence
Trains their brain to default to positive, empowering thoughts

Key takeaway for parents: Encourage your kids to “talk back” to the voice of doubt like they would stand up to a bully.

“Talk back to yourself. Like when you talked back to your mom for the first time — scary, but it feels good and it’s necessary.” — Riley Jensen

5. Focus on Daily Habits, Not Huge Goals

Big dreams are wonderful, but they’re achieved through small daily actions. Riley emphasizes building a strong “mental myelin sheath” — strengthening good mental habits through repetition.

How to build positive daily habits:

Celebrate small wins like completing homework, helping a sibling, or practicing an instrument.
Focus on today’s small action rather than overwhelming long-term goals.

Why it matters: