We live in a naturally competitive society where it seems that the strongest is the one who will succeed in life. The weak, however, it seems that they will always be confined in a corner ... but this does not have to be the reality of people at all. Competition doesn't have to be negative or toxic, as long as people are taught correctly from the time they are children.
Children are like sponges that absorb everything, so fostering healthy competition in children is necessary for them to become successful, non-toxic adults. It is the duty of parents and adults close to children to teach them what healthy competition is in their children and to forget in bad ways, such as what is always seen in football matches.
Healthy competition
Competition is not just about winning or losing. For children, it means learning to share and take turns. Healthy competition teaches children the empathy, pride that comes with hard work, and the self-esteem of knowing they did their best. But these honorable attributes don't develop overnight, they require practice and guidance.
Parents and other adults around children can encourage healthy competition in children. There are some ways to do it and to achieve it, it is important to put willpower so that, When impulse calls for bad manners, just don't happen.
Empathy
Winning is great, but forgetting the feelings of others can quickly create a situation where a child is perceived as cruel. Healthy competition means being a good friend and supporting others, even if they lost.
One thing children have to ask themselves sometime is: 'If you lost, how would you feel?' Parents can also do a little role play. You can say: 'I'm going to be the person who loses, What can you tell me to make me feel better and what can I tell you if you lose to make you feel better? '
Teamwork
Through competition, children learn to share and take turns. But there are also ways to prepare them for this at home. Playing board games as a couple or as a team is a way to teach children teamwork and to tolerate the frustration they may feel at the time of losing. These moments are treasures to be used as opportunities for learning and personal growth.
If you are on a team, let him know: 'I wonder how your playmate would feel if you passed the ball to her, it would make her very happy.' Sharing the joy of the game helps them understand that they are part of a team and that the whole team has to work together.
Be a better version with motivation
Children with a healthy sense of competition learn from an early age that they should do their best and give their all in everything they do. But what if they don't feel that way? Instill children with a strong competitive nature It means asking them what their goals are for themselves, not what their teachers or parents want.
If your child isn't trying so hard, try to understand why. Usually the problem has a root, such as being bullied or bullied. Talk about what is happening. And if your child is really listless, you will have to dig a little deeper.
You can use the future as an example with sentences of the following type: 'You're only 10 now, but one day you'll be an adult, what do you want to do? ' You can use that to work backwards to motivate them to get there.
Incentivize you
Like adults, children like to work toward a goal. Whether it's an extra hour of screen time or a sweet treat, associating competition with winning something they want is a good way to get kids excited to work hard. especially if you work with siblings.
If there is a problem between siblings, you have to ask them to work together to get the prize instead of competing with each other. If they are really competitive, tell them to pay each other a compliment instead of teasing or insulting each other. When they are good, they get a point, and the point system leads to their prize.
Make it a family affair
For children who need a little more practice, the best and most comfortable space to work is at home. A good way to get those competitive feelings flowing is by hosting a family game night.
It makes everyone take turns and implement those important social cues. I recommend certain games that involve sharing, taking turns, and encouraging dialogue about feelings, such as Connect 4 or Monopoly. Building this basis for discussion will apply to other competitive situations throughout their lives.
You don't have to be good at everything, and that's good!
Winning is not everything and trying to win at everything can be exhausting and leave children feeling like they are under too much pressure. Part of having a healthy sense of competition is understanding that you're not going to be good at everything, and that's okay.
To help children who are upset because they are trying but not doing as well as others, parents can say: You're better at X, and we all have different things we're good at, and that's what makes the world go round.
The message I always send is as long as they're really doing the best they can, then it doesn't necessarily matter if you're the best. What matters is always striving to do your best.
With these tips and your good example, your children can learn to have healthy competition that will help them live a much fuller and happier life. Toxic competition must be kept out of the life of any person or family.