Allowing your child to cry, get angry and express their feelings over the loss is extremely important. Some parents tell children to not cry and that crying is for sissies - and losers don’t’ cry. Being able to have an emotional release and teaching your child appropriate emotional responses is important.
Not immediately after a loss, but at some point, have a time of "looking back." Talk with your child and see if they think there is anything they could have done differently. Remind them "it’s not how you win or lose, but how you play the game." Encourage your child to think and talk about what they have learned from their experience.
Always leave the door open for your child to talk with you about the particular area in which they are competing. It may be that continued losses are indications that your child is not ready for the activity, is bored, is not doing it for their own personal enjoyment or satisfaction, or that the training is inadequate.
Continue to encourage. Point out the things you observed that were good. While your child may have not done his/her best, there are things that they did well. Children need to hear what they did well - especially in light of a defeat.
It’s challenging to see someone struggle. It’s very difficult to watch someone lose-especially when they try so hard to be successful. The old adage, "if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again" can be frustrating to hear. However, as it is with anything in life, there are lessons that can be learned from losing. Children, especially, need to be reminded that in all things there is always hope.
Concluded
Source : Buzzle
