Anybody have any suggestions on how to teach an almost six-year old that losing, even at coin toss, is not something to cry over? Now, I know all too well that losing does really suck, especially when you lose something that's important to you, but I really don't want her to be ridiculed as a crybaby. And I'm not really sure there's anything I can really do. Suggestions?
Posted by robdesign at June 7, 2004 10:43 AMHannah,my oldest is very sensitive,and cries easily.I'm not sure there is really a way to really teach this lesson.I just encourage her to do her best and when she does and still doesn't win,I just let her know she did good.She has outgrown the worst of it and I'm sure Izzy will too.
Posted by: Emily at June 7, 2004 02:12 PMJust visiting, but couldn't help commenting. Crying over losing is a sign of determination. You don't want her to lose that edge. Try to channel the emotion in a positive direction by saying something to the effect of: "You lost this time, but you can always try again." If she tries enough, she'll eventually win (especially with a coin toss- bigger things are going to take practice). Hope it helps.
Posted by: coach at June 7, 2004 02:18 PMWhat about accepting her as she is? Tell her that it is OK to feel sad for a little while when you lose or have your feelings hurt, but that in a little while the sad feelings pass. You might even want to suggest that when that happens, when she is done feeling sad, to think of a favorite thing and let it help her to smile. No doubt this needs to be "cut to fit", but the key to change is probably acceptance.
Posted by: 2b at June 7, 2004 10:54 PM