Parenting QA: How Do I Raise A Gracious Loser?

09/16/2012 | 12:17 PM

by Veria Living Expert: Nancy Massotto

Q:

How do I raise a gracious loser?

A:

Children learn so much by imitation! Modeling appropriate behavior is definitely the key. It can be very hard to teach a young child how to be gracious when they lose. In fact, most adults I know do not handle losing with grace. But you can show your child how to take a loss in stride and how not to make it into a huge drama by behaving that way yourself. Play games with your child regularly and don't always let him or her win. Lose graciously (and win graciously) and then allow them a turn to do the same. Emphasize the fun in the experience of the game, instead of winning versus losing, and in how to think about ways to improve after a loss or failure.

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