Life is full of competition -- even in childhood. Kids compete for good grades, the attention of their parents and teachers, and even to get picked for 'the right team' in gym class. There's nothing wrong with encouraging healthy competition in your children. It can teach kids to perform at their best while encouraging teamwork and fostering a strong work ethic. Competition can teach valuable lessons about discipline, preparation and sportsmanship. Best of all, it can help to prepare them for other challenges they will face in life.
But the key word here is "healthy."
We've all witnessed unhealthy competition: the over-involved parents who embarrass their children by shouting from the sidelines during every game, or the parents who are disappointed when their child fails to bring home the first place ribbon, the best grade on the test or the lead in the school play.
Sometimes, adults don't accept that our kids won't always win. Unfortunately, when that happens, we can do more than damage their self-image... we may just be teaching them an unhealthy, win at-all-costs attitude. And, as adults, we know that such an attitude doesn't seem to serve anyone well.
Winning and losing both have valuable lessons to teach. Parents who remember that can give their kids a competitive advantage.
Andrea Patten is the co-author of What Kids Need to Succeed: Four Foundations of Adult Achievement which is now available on Amazon.com
For more information about 'The Four Foundations' please visit http://www.whatkidsneedtosucceed.com
"...because you're not raising a child - you're raising a future adult"
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareFor the first year or two of life outside the... Read More
At age seven months in the womb, humans begin language... Read More
'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More
Family decision-making is an intriguing phenomenon. Many factors become part... Read More
Working with adults (as well as children and teens) for... Read More
Q. With another school year starting, we are not sure... Read More
Did you know that many people retire broke?It's true. After... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comParents ? Minimize Homework Hassles?It's... Read More
In stepfamilies, big holiday expectations can lead to big disappointment--and... Read More
Recess has begun disappearing in states all around the country.... Read More
Most of us when asked what we want our children... Read More
I am in pain. I've been in pain all day.... Read More
Over a number of years there have been issues raised... Read More
I recently heard a story that has literally changed the... Read More
What is in a name?The answer is everything!Jo J. of... Read More
Today's dads are more hands-on than ever before and their... Read More
You can learn a lot from children.The best part of... Read More
I was reading "A Modern Infant Armada", a humor column... Read More
If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double... Read More
1. Boundaries are necessary for control and safety.All children need... Read More
It's among the top criticism wives have of their husbands:... Read More
A parent writes in, ``We are having a hard time... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
Having a high level of emotional intelligence in your children... Read More
There are moments in a parent's or grandparent's life, when... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..As the kids go back to school, you can go... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
We are all familiar with the stories that most students... Read More
Article based on a friend's experienceI just wanted to share... Read More
We're all familiar with the over-indulgent parent. But there's another... Read More
The internet is a dangerous place for your children. Don't... Read More
So you're going to become a father. Now is not... Read More
Loving your step-child can be both simple and hard. It... Read More
Every parent wants their child to develop positive character traits.... Read More
Most research into children's friendships shows that those children who... Read More
Boredom, limited space and overflowing energy are a source of... Read More
Dear MomOn this day set aside to honour "Mother's" let... Read More
Home-schooling removes children from public school. That alone makes home-schooling... Read More
"Where did he come up with that?" Kids often amaze... Read More
Maryann is so focused she's blind. She's slipped over the... Read More
My thirteen-year-old daughter recently called me up to say she... Read More
For many adults, reading a book or newspaper seems effortless.... Read More
As a parent, you can learn a lot about your... Read More
Here is an easy, inexpensive and fun kid experiment for... Read More
When a child wets the bed they worry. Children tend... Read More
In the wonderment of childhood, it is easier for a... Read More
Frankly, as a single parent of young children, I struggled.... Read More
Dear Camille,As I thumb through the photographs that I carry... Read More
Choosing a good car seat for your child's protection is... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
Parenting |