re: More Pussification in Youth Athletics

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It's odd. We mothers who were involved in the competitive cheerleading world growing up are much more laid back about it all than the ones who weren't involved in it. And yes, by 14, we competed to win, but weren't sore losers when we didn't. It was always taught that someone out there could be better than you, and that's okay, but you have to put forth your best effort and push yourself if you want a shot to win.

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I used to be very, very bad at losing. I won't go to the extent of explaining it all, but let's just say that I really didn't like it.

I think sometime in my early twenties I finally came to the revelation that nothing bad happens when I lose. It sucks, and I'd rather win, but as you said there is always someone out there who can be better than you. It's just a fact of reality.

And to keep to the conversation at hand: Getting a trophy did not take away the fact that we lost, and it didn't help me cope at all. Some people are just, even as children, more competitive than others but at that age it's better to emphasize sportsmanship than it is winning.

It really is the basest concept in child sports and it baffles me that some people don't understand it.