Recently, my 8-year-old son, Ethan, joined the school Chess Club. With only a few games played against our neighbor’s child, his first day was met with disappointment after losing. To support him, my partner unearthed our old chess set for practice. I had played a fair bit in college but had forgotten the names of the pieces—thankfully, Google helped me brush up. Soon, Ethan and I were engaged in a serious match, focused and determined.
As the game progressed, I managed to trap Ethan’s king. “Check,” I declared. He paused, contemplating his next move but ultimately succumbed to defeat. I praised his efforts and extended my hand for a post-game handshake, but he just sat there, disheartened. “C’mon, buddy, it’s customary to shake hands after a match, win or lose. How about a high five?” He wasn’t interested. Instead, he curled up in my lap, tears streaming down his face. I comforted him, emphasizing that losing is a natural part of learning.
Later, as he was getting ready for bed, Ethan continued to dissect our game, reflecting on every move he regretted. “I shouldn’t have moved my knight!” “I should have sacrificed that pawn!” Finally, he asked, “Mom, can you maybe go easy on me next time?” I chuckled and posed a question: “If I intentionally played poorly, would you feel you truly earned a victory?” He pondered and confessed, “I guess I wouldn’t feel like I earned it.”
I then posed another scenario: “Imagine if you knew I was giving my all in every game we played, and after several matches, you finally won. How would that feel?” His eyes lit up. “I think I’d want to scream with happiness!”
I smiled. “It’s your choice. If you want me to go easy on you, I can. But if you prefer me to play my best, that’s fine too. What do you choose?” After a brief moment of hesitation, he replied, “Full out.”
This exchange highlights the importance of resilience and the value of earning achievements through effort. For those navigating the journey of parenthood and considering home insemination, resources like ACOG offer excellent guidance. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, check out this post for helpful tips. You may also find this article engaging as you embark on your fertility journey.
In summary, allowing children to experience loss can be a crucial part of their growth. It teaches them resilience, critical thinking, and the joy of achieving something they have truly earned.
Keyphrase: Teaching Resilience Through Competition
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