Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting 2845: My Son's Team Keeps On Losing - Do I Still Make Him Play? By Adina Soclof of Parenting Simply on Supporting Young Athletes
Dec 25, 2025
Adina Soclof, a parenting writer, emphasizes that losing in sports is an important life lesson for children. She discusses the value of empathy over problem-solving when kids face disappointment. Adina shares practical strategies for parents to validate their children's emotions, encouraging them to listen without jumping in to fix issues. By guiding kids to reflect on their efforts and teamwork, parents can help build resilience. Ultimately, it's about supporting their journey, teaching them that how they play is more significant than the outcome.
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Listen Before You Fix
- Listen to your child with empathy instead of immediately trying to fix the situation.
- Make sympathetic noises and validate feelings so your child can process disappointment and solve problems independently.
Undefeated Team, Unexpected Wish
- Adina recalls her son being thrilled when his team went undefeated for two years.
- Another mother said she hoped her son would lose sometimes because losing teaches life lessons.
Losing Builds Perspective
- Losing can teach children important life lessons and maintain perspective.
- Experiencing defeat helps kids build resilience and learn from setbacks.