Elementary News

The Importance of Winning & Losing

"The amount of wins we've had in recent months is insane.

You have to work. The boys did that again. I'm really happy."

Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool Football Club Manager) in a recent interview with the BBC.

Those people who follow football will be well aware of the continued success of Liverpool Football Club and the opportunity the team has to make history by winning four competitions in the same season. One reporter claimed the team would be ‘IMMORTALS’ if they succeed in this historic trophy quest.

It’s a great time to be a Liverpool supporter. (Ask Mr. Pereira!) Fans love trophies and players are so motivated to be hailed as CHAMPIONS.

Winning can have the same impact on children as adults, without the financial gain. Strong self-confidence is the most obvious benefit. Winning can also reinforce the rewards of planning/preparation and hard work/resilience, to achieve success. Children are very proud when they try their best and produce a positive result.

BUT WHAT ABOUT LOSING?

There is only one team that can win each of the trophies Liverpool is chasing. Liverpool’s city rivals, Everton, are struggling to stay in the Premier League. The ‘Toffee’ fans, as Everton supporters are called, are not feeling positive and (like many disgruntled fans), can be quite disparaging of poor results. Yet, it should be argued that losing also offers important benefits, although not financial and certainly not satisfactory to avid sports fans.

 In an unscientific survey I asked groups of elementary students whether they played board games at home. I followed this with a question as to whether they considered themselves to be good losers. I was a little surprised to discover that that just over half of the children, ages 9 to 11, felt they didn’t handle losing well. Occasionally we see first hand at recess student protests while playing football. Claims of  “IT’S NOT FAIR!” or “THERE SHOULD BE A PENALTY.” have been heard. 

It’s important for children to play games and learn that competition is not just about winning. From an early age children recognise differences in their peers. In the first year of school, for example, some children will read earlier, learn their math facts ahead of others, run quicker and be more popular. Differences can become wider over time. Participating in competitions at home, at school or in outdoor activities, including recess, can help children to discover about the importance of teamwork, commitment to a task, cooperation and respect for each other. These situations also help children to lose with grace in front of others and to be seen as a fair loser. Our teachers make a big priority for students to ALWAYS show respect and give congratulations to others.

The reality is that whether it’s in competitive sports or family board games, children need to practice losing in order to be able to cope when they do lose in a competition in front of others, especially their peers. (Christine Carter,Ph.D parenting author). The ability to ‘move on’ from the disappointment of losing can be challenging for some children. (Other children will be more hesitant to play with someone who isn’t easy going.) Losing teaches empathy, an understanding towards other children in the same position. In addition, losing can prompt a desire to develop strategies/motivation to improve as well as emphasising the importance of learning from mistakes. Finally, losing can, with encouragement, help children to manage self-control. (Not something I’ve always witnessed at football matches over the years!)

In the end there will always be more satisfaction in winning. Liverpool may still win 4 trophies! However, with a positive mindset, every football fan knows and every child should know that they could always look forward to the next season or the next game, even if results don’t go their way.