Here at Warrior's Way we're not about winning at all costs. We try to teach your kiddos that good sportsmanship means honoring everyone on the field of the competition, including opponents, instructors, parents and spectators. Because sportsmanship, when it really comes down to it isn't about games or rules, but rather it is about treating others with respect and being a good person.
There truly is no great secret to teaching sportsmanship. Kids follow our lead and need chances to test what they're learning. Most Warrior characteristics are like a muscle. They need to be utilized frequently to become stronger and ingrained within your child. So here are some easy steps to focus on in your home to start making sportsmanship a greater priority to your Little Warrior!
Don't let them win:
When your child wins a game or sport it can be the cutest. They're excited and happy. As parents we're happy they're happy. However, this can easily become a moral pitfall if you let your child win every time you enter a contest or play together. It is unrealistic that we (or our child) will come first in everything, every single time. Life just doesn't work that way. You know it and I know it. So stop indulging their continued winning streak. It may be the easiest route, but our children need to know what it feels like when you come out on bottom as well as top. Losing teaches us to be flexible and resilient. It teaches us to work hard in the face of adversity and to cope with disappointment. These are vital lessons our children need. Because life won't be pulling any punches when they leave the nest. I'm not saying hang them out to dry. Consistently give them advice on how to do better in the future, but do not let them win just because.
Put the focus on what really matters:
The goal of games and competitions aren't to win-win-win! That's a bonus of course, but it will be very unfulfilling life if that becomes our sole goal. Competitions and games give us a chance to test our skills and see how our hard work is paying off. And they're meant to be fun! To build relationships and strengthen our teamwork and cooperation. So instead of focusing on the stereotypical "Did you win?" up your game by asking instead "What did you learn?", "What would you do different?", and "Did you have fun?" With these tiny focal shifts you are teaching them to relish the process rather than solely looking forward to the end result. This goes a long way towards helping them deal with the many disappointments life will inevitably throw at them. And wouldn't we all be happier if we stopped looking forward to the end goal and celebrated every single moment?
Competing with others is great, but our true competition throughout life is ourselves. There is always someone bigger, faster, and stronger than you. You just can't change certain genetics or physical traits. So set some goals with your Warrior and teach them to always strive to be their best self. Don't be in competition with the world when you have personal goals to crush. This reorientation of goals and focus also consistently gives the satisfaction of small wins. You can very tangibly see your daily, weekly, and monthly progress in between life's challenges. Like we tell the kiddos after every tournament. If you don't love your performance or if you want to do even a little bit better. Set a goal. Show up. Work hard. Crush those goals. And see how far you can go!
Not sure what kind of sportsman your kiddo is yet?
Put these character building lessons and their skills to the test:
Don't forget to stop by the front desk and register for THIS weekend's GRAPPLING TOURNAMENT!!!
Our Warriors have been training hard in class to prep for this event!
We'll see you on the mat. Details posted throughout our academy
We'll see you on the mat. Details posted throughout our academy
#RaiseAWarrior
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