Growth Mindset
“I can’t draw!” said Alice. “I can’t draw like Liam can’t run.”
Liam doesn’t seem bothered, but I don’t feel like I can let this one go.
“Try not to say can’t, Alice. You can draw a circle, put eyes on it and a stripe at the bottom. Hey presto – you’ve drawn a face.”
“Liam really can’t run though.”
“I bet I can still beat you in a race,” Liam crows.
“Of course you can. You have wheels.”
“But one day, I’m going to run.”
Alice smiled. “I want to be a drawer when I grow up.”
elmowrites 
Liam seems supremeley untroubled by the jibes.
I think he understands that Alice doesn’t mean any harm by it. She’s just trying to explain her own perceived limitations in a way the adult will understand.
What started out as a tale of sibling rivalry surprised me with a lesson of never giving up. Beautifully done.
I had in mind teacher / classmates but siblings works too. Either way I think Liam was the real teacher this time
Reminded me of trying to encourage my own kids in the face of their ‘I can’t’ attitude! Nice added twist at the end.
Did it work?
Growth mindset indeed.
Hope Liam keeps his positive attitude this way.
We can do anything that we believe.
She can draw if she really wants to, just like Liam will run with prosthetic legs.
Yes, we have to keep the hope alive
What a heartening message! I hope both children fulfil their ambitions.
Me too, Penny! Although I’m not sure she will always call herself a drawer…
Dear Jen,
It sounds like Alice can learn a lot about determination from Liam. Nicely done uplifting tale.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks, Rochelle. I’m not feeling the slightest bit uplifted today. Back to online school again in Ontario. But I’m glad the story wasn’t dented by that.
My mom always says, “Can’t never did a thing.” How we limit ourselves by not believing in our potential. When I hear Liam has wheels, I wonder if he’s in a wheelchair? These days prosthetics make running possible for Liam. I hope he does run one day and that Alice is inspired to live her dreams as well.
I like the saying “whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right” for the same idea. Yes, I had Liam in a wheelchair, although it’s open whether he needs prosthetics or just time and determination to run. Either way, he’s got the right attitude and that’s a good start!
A wonderful story of hope. Well told, Jen.
Thanks Bill!
A heartwarming tale. We can learn a lot from listening to children.
Amen to that
There is a lovely upbeat message in your story that I enjoyed.
Thanks James, I’m glad you felt the positivity.
This was a lovely subtle lesson between two siblings. I love Liam’s attitude and hope it rubs off on Alice.
Thanks Dale. Funny how lots of people saw siblings (in my head they were classmates). And yes, I want Alice to hold onto the lesson
Siblings or classmates, it still works 🙂
I remember saying things like Liam. “One day I will run.” And, eventually, I did. Though only for short distance, but I DID it! And I was FAST, too.
Wonderful! “I will” is such a powerful phrase.
Liam is going to go places. Alice could, too, if she’d get her head out of the negative comparison cloud.
I agree, but I tried to show that she’s not very old, so she has time to learn.
A beautiful story of family and teaching determination. Lovely!
Thanks Brenda!
I saw siblings! liked the subtle reference to Liam’s wheels and I loved Alice’s “drawer”.
I’m glad you liked the drawer – I was hoping it showed her young age and innocence in talking about Liam’s wheels. She’s not being mean, just learning.
A Paralympian in the making! A charming tale.
Good for them 🙂
his confidence (or is it recklessness) will eventually make him a winner
a future paraplegic champion in the works. who knows? she can discover her innate ability to paint, too. 🙂
This is a poignant look at the power of one’s mindset. Look at Forrest, Forrest Gump.