Everybody wants to be a winner. Jumping up and down, yelling, clapping hands are all gestures that we do when someone wins or does well. Rewarding success with trophies, money, and gifts are just some ways society celebrates a winner. It’s very normal that most parents want their children to win and be successful.
What is not normal is for children to be pushed in to believing that winning is the only thing that matters and that failure, somehow, is a weakness. Accepting failure is not a weakness. It’s easy to teach and model for a child how to win. However, not everybody can win - there will always be a loser. Teaching your child how to lose is an important lesson that will stay with them the rest of their lives.
It’s safe to say that no one wants to lose. It’s safe to say that most parents have a tough time watching their child lose or suffer defeat. What are some things a parent can do to teach a child this important lesson of life - handling defeat? Laying the groundwork beforehand is important. Here are some things to consider:
Whatever your child’s interest (sports, music, academics) make sure you provide people who can give adequate training for your child. Providing resources from people other than yourself is important so your child can maintain some autonomy in what they are doing. Having someone else teach your child takes you "out of the middle," so to speak, so that if your child does not do well, then you are there to "catch them" when they fall. It is easier for a child to hear and absorb constructive feedback if it is coming from someone other than his or her parent.
Assure your child that they are loved whatever the outcome of a game, competition, etc. Many children believe that how they "perform" is going to determine how much their parent loves them. Children need to be taught that they are valued and loved for whom they are and not what they can do. They need to know that your love for them is unconditional.
To Be Continued .....
Source : Buzzle
