Competition: How Much Is Good For Our Kids?

Published: Aug. 18, 2021, 8 a.m.

b'Does competition have benefits? What level of competition is healthy for our kids? Many of us agree that the stereotypical dad yelling through the fence at T-Ball is taking things a little too seriously. But others say that participation trophies teach our kids to be lazy and therefore represent the ultimate downfall of our civilization. How do we balance teaching the eye of the tiger with just letting our kids play?\\nIn this episode we get to the bottom of why some people are more competitive than others, what the right age is for kids to start learning the lessons of losing, and how competition (when it\'s done right) can actually teach cooperation and self-regulation.\\nHere are links to some writing on the topic that we discuss in this episode:\\n\'Shirtless Tongan\' Pita Taufatofua makes Olympic history\\nEvolution of competitiveness: Scientists explain diversity in competitiveness\\nByron Heath on Kerri Strug\\nDo participation trophies hurt our motivation? Some say yes\\nSpecial thanks to this month\'s sponsors:\\nHappy Dance skin care products are made with premium ingredients, including the highest quality CBD. Get 15% off your first Happy Dance order by going to\\xa0doahappydance.com/laughing.\\xa0\\nHelix customized mattresses will give you the best sleep of your life! Get up to $200 off all mattress orders, plus two free pillows, at helixSleep.com/laughing.\\nStitch Fix Kids\\xa0is here to ease the stress of shopping for kids\' clothes! Go to stitchfix.com/kids/laughing and get 25% off when you keep everything in your Fix.\\nDesign like a pro with Canva Pro! We use it for all our images\\u2013 we\'ve upped our game and saved time too. Right now,\\xa0\\xa0you can get a FREE 45-day extended trial when you go\\xa0to canva.me/fresh.\\nThe\\xa0Cozi\\xa0Family Organizer is for anyone juggling camp schedules, practices, meetings, doctor\\u2019s appointments, and maybe a date night once in a while. Download\\xa0Cozi\\xa0for free from the app store!\\nItalic is a new kind of everything store. They offer quality goods from the same manufacturers as leading brands for up to 80% less. Sign up for an Italic membership at italic.com/join and use code WHATFRESHHELL for 30% off.\\nMagic Spoon cereal gets protein into your kids\\u2019 breakfast- and with 0 grams of sugar. Go to magicspoon.com/FRESH and use the code FRESH at checkout to get $5 off!\\nJane.com\\xa0is a boutique marketplace featuring the latest in women\\u2019s fashion, accessories, home decor, children\\u2019s clothing, and more. You will not believe the prices!\\xa0Visit\\xa0jane.com/laughing.\\nBobby Wonder is a kids\' podcast from GoKidGo that the whole family can enjoy. Bobby Wonder is a typical guy who just found out he\'s from another planet. If your kid also loves to laugh, save the world, and eat waffles, subscribe or follow "Bobby Wonder" wherever you\'re listening right now.\\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices'