Admittedly, kids are still developing their minds, are physically uncoordinated, and are disadvantaged to adults in almost every way. Meanwhile, your noisy victory celebrations are planting a garden of everlasting uncertainties in their fragile mind. So, pretty much most of the parents have asked themselves this question after swimming through the tears of their child they have just out-bowled by 100 points: “Should I let my child win at games?” The short answer is “Sometimes.” But here’s the longer answer:

1. Children Should Play by the Rules

When Candy Land turns to checkers and some levels of technique become a factor, competitiveness really shows up around preschool. Children in their toddler years are more concerned with taking turns and sharing than with winning or losing. At this age, your child does not see other children as competitors, but rather as tempting targets to bite or avoid. Before learning to play against others, they should learn to play well with each other. Toddlers should enjoy simply playing with others, but preschoolers and kindergarteners should learn to follow the rules.

2. It’s Much More About How Rather than Winning or Losing

It’s time to prove the point after the kids have learnt the rules and experienced the excitement of winning. Because games are such a small part of life, the most significant factor is to win or lose gracefully. It’s all about graciously accepting the defeat! So, your child should occasionally beat you so that they can see Mom or dad loses while still having fun with the game. You should occasionally beat your child so that they can witness what a “nice game” handshake looks like when the victory dance doesn’t accompany it!

3. So, You Should Let Your Children Win Sometimes?

As you may know, your child will have far more chances to observe you as a good winner than as a good loser! so you will have to change things a little bit! When you allow your child to win a game, try to be as delicate as possible. If she sees that you are not giving it your best, her victory will be meaningless for her! Also, changing the rules in the middle of a game will appear to her as cheating, which sends a bad message! So, think of creative ways to lose a game right away, and your kids will never have to watch the humiliation of seeing you let them score. Switching from games that require physical and mental strength to games of luck, is another strategy to accomplish this. Don’t worry about their being too boring; your child will find nothing more enjoyable than beating you at something!

4. Help Your Children Handle Disappointment When They Lose

As a parent, it’s your job to help your child learn how to handle these disappointments when they lose at games. It is not an easy task, but it’s crucial for your child’s behavior development. You should talk about how losing is sometimes frustrating, but that winning and losing are not the most important things. Instead, focus on how practicing, improving skills and working with a team are more important. Rather than lecturing them how they should not act when losing, or saying sentences like “nobody likes a sore loser”, try to focus on being an example of how a winner should behave! Kindly remind them that games are meant to be fun and enjoyable! You can mention a positive aspect of their performance, too.

Final Words

Your kids should experience both winning and losing because losing builds a thicker skin for them. Winning gives them confidence and fun memories. In addition, it’s OK to let your kid win a game every so often. It’s no fun for her if she is constantly losing, and she will lose interest in a game if it appears she will never win!