06-12-2012, 06:42 PM
Children Competition
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Children differ in temperament. Some
thrive on competition. Others become
nervous wrecks when they are compared
to others or asked to perform
before two or three people. Adults
need to treat children as the individuals
that they are. There is no need to
push an already competitive child to
compete, but it may be appropriate to
encourage a more reluctant child who
shows potential.
Adults need to remember that
competition is tough. Whatever side
you take, competition is about winning
and losing. If someone wins, then one
or more children lose. Losing is
serious business, especially for a child
who wants to win!
Being competitive involves quick
decision-making, self-control, discipline
and maturity. An overly competitive
child often is less concerned about
safety.
What is the value of competition
for your young child? What are the
benefits and the disadvantages?
Advantages and Disadvantages
of Competition
Competition can be good for children.
It can help children develop healthy
attitudes about winning and losing.
Children become competitive as they
refine and practice skills and develop
coordination and cognitive abilities.
Competition can encourage growth
and push a child to excel. Children
also benefit as they:
• learn about their abilities and
limitations.
• set goals.
• handle loss.
• develop skills.
• enhance their popularity.
• develop competence in an area.
• develop problem-solving skills.
• try out different roles.
• learn rules of the game.
• learn to perform before a group.
• learn to work with others.
When Does Competition
Become Appropriate?
Six- to 8-year-olds compete for fun: winning does
not have the same meaning for them as for 9- to
12-year-olds.
Winning, losing, or playing against others has
little or no meaning for children under 7. They are
more concerned about the rules of games and how
games are played than on winning. They break
the rules when they can't remember. Games and
play allow children to do what they want to do
and to learn to do it.
By age 8, children can follow rules and
understand what it means to win. Sixes are beginning
to seek social approval. They want to be in a
group. Six- to 8-year-olds suffer lowered selfesteem
when they lose, especially if parents stress
winning.