Being a good sport and realizing that losing a game doesn’t mean you are a “loser” are big, emotion-based ideas. While the idea of competition begins around age 7 or 8, a recent NPR story points out that the part of the brain that manages the emotions around losing is one of the last to develop. Comparing yourself with the person next to you can be damaging to one’s self-esteem and can also be limiting, instilling the idea of a fixed ranking among peers. A
recent story on NPR focuses instead on coaching kids to compete against their own personal best. “Experts warn: Don't try to cut winning out entirely. It can't be done. And it's OK for kids to want to win. Adults just have to help them find the balance between winning and — key word here — improving.”
[1]
High-achieving students may not encounter failure often. Healthy competition can give gifted students practice at reading social cues and managing their emotions while fostering a mindset geared toward personal growth.
What are some examples of how adults can help encourage a growth mindset in young minds?
[1] Turner, Cory. (August 5, 2014) "When Kids Start Playing To Win." National Public Radio.
