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The locus of control is a critical learning for all children as they start becoming less reliant on parents for all that happens in their life. Locus of control as a theory was created by psychologist Julian Rotter, and it has applications across all facets of life such as health, education, and psychology.
What does the locus of control mean?
The concept of the locus of control is that we will place the location, or locus, of control either externally or internally to ourselves. An external locus of control means a focus is placed on the outcome being because of luck, fate or happenstance. Whereas an internal locus of control means believing our own actions determine the outcome.
When a child has an internal locus of control, they are likely to have a greater degree of internal self-control and self-motivation and are likely to be more intellectually curious and active regarding learning. Children with an external locus of control are likely to fail to see the connection between their own efforts and achievement and ultimately success.
Why is it important to develop this in children?
It is important your child develops their internal locus of control so that they understand the value of trying, perseverance, and practicing as all things they have control over. In any situation, there will be things which are within the locus of control and things which are not. It is important your child learn that they can choose to focus on what is within their control.
Research has demonstrated that when a child believes their intellectual and social abilities can be developed, such as through perseverance and practice, they perform better academically and experience less stress. These children remain resilient in the midst of challenges.
Fostering an internal locus of control in your child will support a myriad of benefits for your child including improved decision making, better interpersonal relationships, and increased motivation. These are core fundamentals that will help improve resilience as they strengthen their self-confidence.
Dr Jessica Koehler from the University of Maryland says “Ultimately, the power to navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth lies within our minds. As we cultivate an internal locus of control within our children, we inspire them to take control of their lives and find the strength to face any obstacle that comes their way”.
As a parent, how can I develop the locus of control learnings with my child?
To support the development of the internal locus of control in your child, as parents you can emphasise the importance of effort, persistence, and the belief that your child can shape their future. This can be done by fostering a sense of autonomy, building competence, and nurturing relatedness.
Autonomy can be fostered by encouraging your child to set goals, make decisions, and explore their interests. When a child feels that they are trusted and heard, it fosters a greater sense of self-worth and improves their relationship with their parents.
You are able to build your child’s competence by providing them opportunities for skill development, offering constructive feedback, and celebrating their achievements. For example, instead of just saying “good job!” offer something like, “You did it! I really like the way you used shaded colour to create the illusion of texture in this drawing”.
You can support nurturing relatedness and your child feeling valued by others through encouragement to believe in their abilities and to take responsibility for their actions.
Conclusion
Teaching children about the locus of control equips them with a powerful understanding of how their actions and attitudes influence their experiences. By learning that they can impact outcomes through their efforts, children develop a stronger sense of responsibility, motivation, and resilience. This awareness fosters a growth mindset, encouraging children to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
Parents who prioritise this learning help their children build self-confidence, enhance problem-solving skills, and cultivate a proactive approach to life. Ultimately, instilling a healthy locus of control sets the foundation for lifelong success and wellbeing.
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