wfmw -- Intentional losing
There are only so many hours in a day. So,we obviously make choices. I like the reminder that whenever we choose to do something we simultaneously choose to not do hundreds of other things.
Well, one thing that I don't enjoy is playing certain board games. Now, I still treasure the time with my kids, the conversations peppered in throughout the time spent together, the smiles, the shared memories. But, the actual game. Hmmm.
Not my favorite pastime.
So, I sometimes intentionally lose. I might even stoop to reverse cheating.
"Are you sure it's my turn? Well, you can go ahead and take another one."
"I need to go check on ______ really quick, so go ahead and skip me this round."
"I'll sell you Boardwalk for a dollar."
Now, some games I do enjoy, and other activities with my kids I enjoy more (like reading books outloud, going on nature walks, or enjoying a good meal together). So, we still get lots of quality time together, but when it comes to certain board games, I'd rather rush it along. Plus, when you have multiple kids asking to play multiple games, you need to keep things moving, so I'm willing to take one for, uh, the team.
Intentional losing really has worked for me.
I guess this is also a good reminder, that what works for one person, might just not work for another. We all have our own love languages, preferences, and opinions. So, I'll keep playing those games, but I can't promise that I won't at least occasionally "help" them along.
Comments
You bring up and important point, that I should have mentioned. Kids do need to learn how to lose. Fortunately, my kids have each other to teach them that skill, and I am still on hand to facilitate the learning. And, they have other more competitive relatives (including my husband and some of their grandparents) that have given them opportunity for losses as well.
Sounds like a whole 'nother post, on teaching good sportsmanship. Even if they don't learn it when they are young, when they get into organized sports it is definitely part of the game.
Thanks for highlighting that important issue!
Erin
I like games. What I don't want to play is trains!