Can I have a show of hands? Who lets their kids win board games? Card games? Anyone?
I'm hoping that everyone comments and says, "I never let my kids win on purpose!". Because I don't! And (should I be embarrassed by this?) I like winning! I mean, c'mon, if I can't beat a grade-schooler at "Clue", what does that say about me? 
I'm not mean about it. I don't gloat when I win. And I'm genuinely thrilled for my kids when they do beat me at a game. I just don't "go easy" on them. I guess I figure that any "esteem-boosting" that occurs by letting them win, would be quickly deflated on the day that they realize that I've been letting them win!
They'll thank me someday...winning on your own merit is much sweeter than having a victory spoon-fed to you. Right? Who's up for a game of Scrabble?
I have let my kids win games, especially my little ones. There have been times when playing Candyland that I have picked up Queen Frosting and snuck it back in the deck. Once they reach the first grade the niceness ends and I play for real!
ReplyDeleteI have a nine year old who can beat all of the family in chess except dad, a six year old who plays a mean game of war, and a twelve year old who creams us all in Bible Trivia. When they are little I don't let them win all the time, but I at least keep it close in hopes they can pull out a victory!
Toni
You gotta give 'em hope when they are little, but I agree with commenter above, once first grade hits, I become viscious. I love winning. I can't stand to let a competetion go. Anf first graders are just the same! My first grade daughter is ruthless in UNO. You just try and be easy on her and you'll pay! She'a got a handful of Skips and draw fours waiting to spring on me!
ReplyDeleteSorry but this mom is guilty! I'm very comptetitive, no cheating going on here, even for the sake of the children...I have been known to let the itty bitty kids win at the afterschool program I worked in.
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