The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat

As you watch the Summer Olympics over the course of the next two weeks, there will be unlimited opportunities to talk with your child about what it truly takes to achieve one’s goals and dreams: hard work, hours upon hours of practice, perseverance, and a willingness to try, fail, and try again. What won’t get enough coverage, though, is the “agony of defeat.” Find an opportunity to also acknowledge the pain of not winning with your child. Whether it’s an exam she studied hard for, a paper she spent hours revising, or out on the athletic field, losing (or not getting the grade she feels she worked hard enough to achieve) stings, especially when she’s given it all she’s got. “Losing” is not a failure. Losing builds character. What’s most important is the process she took to get there, knowing that she left nothing “on the field,” and taking the time to figure out how she can do even better next time.