Win! Lose! The Importance of Both for Kids
Win! Lose! the importance of both for kids. I read a great article recently about how every child should have the experience of winning. And, it mentioned that every child should be spared the pain of losing. It was addressing the current thinking that each child should be a winner, whether or not they put forth their best effort, or practiced to become better at whatever they were doing. Essentially, this thinking supports each child receiving a trophy, certificate, or some other reward for showing up.
Should all Kids be Winners?
Whatever the season we are in there are kids’ sports going on. Certainly we want each child to have a safe and fun experience playing their sport. But what about the current trend where some want all kids to be winners/? I think this is something to address. We are not all created to be winners. But we are all, however, created to be competitive. We have an inner drive to succeed, and to push ourselves to try harder. In addition, we generally strive to overcome obstacles, and most have a desire to reach our goals. Whether in sports, in business, or in life in general, we all want to be the best that we can be.
What Kids Learn from Losing
But what happens to those qualities when we remove the specter of “losing”? I believe the desire to practice our skills, study our materials, review our presentations, etc. loses its drive when we remove the possibility of losing. Subsequently, we don’t have the same motivation or goals that the competitive spirit instills in us. When we apply this to our children, they all become the same when everyone is a winner; no great athletic skill stands out. Similarly, no drive to discover the next medical breakthrough happens. We set them up to be apathetic, uncaring, and may be killing their desire to play sports, which they sorely need today on many levels. Sports teach kids responsibility, punctuality, perseverance, obedience, among other qualities, and a desire to play harder to be the winners next time.
Win! Lose! Building a Competitive Spirit
We need to change this thinking; restoring the winning, competitive spirit in our children. We can do this by being the good role models who show them how to lose gracefully, win with humility, and support and encourage each other, no matter which team you are on. Social skills play a key role here; offering kids tools to help them get along whether winning or losing.
The writer of the article I mentioned wrote the following, which directs us in a powerful way to help our children learn to be at their best, win or lose. Thank you, Sandi Krakowski. I couldn’t have said it any better.
The Champion’s Creed
I take full responsibility for my rising and for my falling.
I don’t beat myself up, nor do I beat up others.
When I make decisions, I live with the results and don’t play a victim.
With the power that is within me, I seek above all things, wisdom and discernment.
I fly high, and sometimes I crash, but the total race is the goal, not just one episode.
I know when to push and I know when to pull back.
I give it my all and I love others even when they don’t.
I am a Champion!
My strongest words are “I did great!” and “I’ll do better next time.”
Step UP! BE more! BE the Champion our world needs today!
© Sandy Krakowski
Though the following article was written a few years ago I believe it addresses and has relevance to this same situation we face today regarding kids sports, and our discussion of Win! Lose! The importance of both for kids.
© Barbara Gilmour