Competition...

2nd link for the day...

I think that competition should be allowed, and prolly that 6, 7, or 8 year olds shouldn't really be playing if they don't want to. Definitely not if I want them to.

I think that youth sports are created to assuage the egos of parents who feel guilty about the lack of time that they spend with their kids. Also, their self-worth is intertwined with the success of their children. If it wasn't, why would the parents feel so concerned about making sure everyone wins?

Real life demonstrates that not all people win all the time. Our economic system is based on competition. Adults everywhere everyday deal with aspects of competition: In pricing of commodities, in ideas, in the workforce.

Why can't parents become involved enough to help their children understand that when they lose, it doesn't mean they are bad, but that it is a natural part of life and society? Perhaps they might even help motivate the child to better themselves so that they do better next time.

I think that it all comes down to how much time we are willing to take to be with our children and help 'parent' them. If we aren't willing to be involved, we let others take responsibility to teach values we should be teaching. So, how can others help comfort those who have lost, if you are talking about 15 kids? You can't, so you make it so everyone wins, so that you don't have to take the time to...

See the cycle?

And, before the howls of outrage reach the comment section, I will acknowledge right now that I know almost nothing about parenting. I have no children, but I plan on teaching them some things.