Encouraging Healthy Competition

When the Kiddies were younger, we did not emphasize the concept of winning and losing.  We focused on the values of "Doing Your Very Best" & "Never Giving Up."

We provided different opportunities for the kiddies to try out activities, interests and hobbies.  Both have their distinct innate talents and mental and physical tendencies.

While the younger is quieter, she is physically inclined and enjoys performing.
The older one has a more diverse interest range; he likes to try out different things.
Contact sports are not his passion.  He is very empathetic, so at times, he's overly concerned for others (while in the game).

As he has gotten older, now 10 y.o., we have noticed that there is a natural longing to "win."

This got me thinking about the reality of competition.
The world as we know it, does make distinctions and determinations of "The Best," "The Winner."

Children do need to have a sense of success.  They do need to feel the feeling of success.  No matter what the activity is, piano, dance, team sports, swimming, or even online contests, it feels good to win, to receive the concrete recognition of an award.

An Article on Parenting and Encouraging Healthy Competition 
http://www.more4kids.info/2303/parenting-tips-for-encouraging-healthy-competition/

Provided 7 Tips on Encouraging Healthy Competition.  Click on the Link for the full article.

Tip One: Explain the Importance of Doing their Best

Tip Two: Lead by Example

Tip Three: Discuss Family Values

Tip Four: Focus on Their Effort Not the Outcome

Tip Five: Thou Shall Not Judge

Tip Six: Encourage Training/Practice

Tip 7: Accept Your Child for Who they Are

The 7 y.o. is dancing her heart out on a weekly basis.  She performs twice a year with her dance studio.  

The 10 y.o. just won his first swim meet competition for Freestyle within his age category at his level.

The excitement in his voice tells me that he is feeling that sense of success and we are meeting his developmental needs.