Kids are playing competitive sports and doing competitive activities at younger and younger ages. In my own home town, they have introduced “tot soccer” for 3 and 4-year-old children. With all of the increased focus on competition, I think it is important that parents try to balance that out with some noncompetitive games too.
While I acknowledge that we live in a competitive, capitalistic society, I do think that there are plenty of people skills and self-esteem building that comes from noncompetitive games and play for children. It doesn’t always have to be about winning and beating out the opponent. But, where does a parent find ideas for noncompetitive games?
A trip to the library or book store should turn up some books on noncompetitive childhood games. You might be surprised at the resources available—educational games, noncompetitive games, games and activities for 1 child on up. If you live in a community that is large enough to have an educational supply store—these can be fabulous places to get ideas for games to play with your child that do not have a competitive focus. An online internet search should also turn up some great resources too. Try Googling: “noncompetitive childhood games” and you should get a bevy of suggestions for fun activities that don’t create winners and losers.
Of course, there is a time and a place for everything and I am not advocating a competition-free childhood—but if we are to help our children learn how to focus on fun and the process and the “how” of how a game is played—instead of always points and who wins and who loses, we need to balance out that competition with some other stuff. Plus, there are so many great noncompetitive games available that teach all sorts of things—a lot can be achieved with a little play.
See Also: Add a Little Writing Into Play
It’s Not Whether You Win or Lose
Teaching Your Kids to Lose Gracefully