Nobody likes losing, especially young children. For some reason, young kids are born competitive to the point of throwing tantrums whenever they lose in a game, contests, and the like. As for adults, some of them tend to be competitive in sports and even in their workplace.
On the one hand, there is nothing wrong with some competition. For one, it can help you strive to be a better version of yourself. Aside from that, it can also encourage and establish camaraderie with other people and discover more about yourself and your capabilities. You can check out cornholeworldwide.com for some good old Cornhole game that you and your friends will enjoy and unleash your competitive spirit.
The truth about sportsmanship
As mentioned, no one likes losing. It can make you feel weak and useless. While a lot of adults out there hate being a loser, that feeling might be twice as much in children. Wendy Middlemiss, Ph.D., from the University of North Texas, explains that young children tend to see the world in “black and white.”
When kids play, they want to win. If they lose, they tend to take it seriously, resulting in tantrums and endless sobs. Even if being too competitive is a natural thing among young children, this does not mean you should not teach them about the value of sportsmanship. Being a sore loser is not a good thing, especially if they bring along that mindset in adulthood.
As parents, it is essential to teach children the importance of accepting loss and defeat while they are still young. Losing is a normal part of life, and you will encounter it at some point in your life whether you like it. That is why we should teach our children to handle situations that do not go the way they want to. Accepting defeat with grace can help them turn into competent adults in the future.
Teaching kids to be graceful in defeat
Teaching kids life skills while they are still young is one of the most important things that they can bring along into adulthood. It can be challenging to teach them to accept defeat, but it will be worth it. Here are tips that can help you and your kids realize the importance of gracefulness despite the loss.
Give pep talks
Before a game or any other activity, you should discuss the possibility of winning and losing to your child. Regardless of the outcome of the said activity, the child should realize that the effort and improvement matter more than winning any game or prize.
Do not compare your child with others
This action is a no-no, as it can affect their self-esteem and think that everything should be all about competitions. Praise your child for a job well done regardless of whether they won or lost.
Instill humility on your children
If your child does win in a contest or activity, make it a point not to let them be too boastful. Let them celebrate their wins but not bring down other people. Better yet, encourage your child to make other people feel better despite a loss. It should be a win-win situation for both parties, no matter what the results are.
