I think chess is fairly unique where the rookie does need some encouraging through learning and small victories, but other than that, Michael shouldn’t be handed a win just because he wants it. We already have a generation of kids who are given trophies just for showing up, they don’t know how to handle disappointment, they don’t learn from their mistakes, and they don’t want to work at improving.
And that is why kids today all have to have a trophy so their little feelings aren’t hurt because they did not win. No 1st, 2nd places, etc.. Now they are “awarded” trophies for “participation”. Grandpa has it right, but our generations’ principles have died thanks to political correctness.
Whether it’s anything from Chess to Call of Duty, my kids (7, 11, 12, and 14) all know that if they beat me, then they really beat me. No quarter is asked for and none is given.
When they finally win, the celebration is amazing – and I encourage it: Hey! You just beat the Old Man!
I taught my son how to play chess.In no time at all he could beat me easily. The only times I would beat him were pure dumb luck. Or he was letting me… (hmmm. I wonder…)
Very good reasoning on chest. My son on checkers also taught me when he was young in order to keep game going one has to lose/loose checkers to see who would be King.
True that we adults want to learn new things and understand the strategy, but as a kid, sometimes I know I just wanted to win— or even just to have fun and didn’t care if I was even following the rules! (I am competitive now, at almost everything, but still much less so when odds of winning are very low)
And no, I was never given a trophy for “showing up” (well, maybe I was, but at 17 or 18, I wouldn’t have cared). I’d say the desire to win (often at all costs) is pretty well hard-wired in to many of us, others can be taught that enjoying the game, cooperating, etc., can often be as important or more important, and many have always and will continue to opt out of competition whenever possible. I knew all the types of kids, and I’m sure we all did- we probably all have different ideas of which is the best way to live!
Argythree over 9 years ago
Well, at least the kid is honest…
lightenup Premium Member over 9 years ago
I think chess is fairly unique where the rookie does need some encouraging through learning and small victories, but other than that, Michael shouldn’t be handed a win just because he wants it. We already have a generation of kids who are given trophies just for showing up, they don’t know how to handle disappointment, they don’t learn from their mistakes, and they don’t want to work at improving.
Aaberon over 9 years ago
Wow: you are as diplomatic and reasonable as two of my most favorite bosses were/are (and that have taught me the most and best life skills).
freewaydog over 9 years ago
That’s how I felt as a kid, lol
starcandles Premium Member over 9 years ago
And that is why kids today all have to have a trophy so their little feelings aren’t hurt because they did not win. No 1st, 2nd places, etc.. Now they are “awarded” trophies for “participation”. Grandpa has it right, but our generations’ principles have died thanks to political correctness.
biglar over 9 years ago
Whether it’s anything from Chess to Call of Duty, my kids (7, 11, 12, and 14) all know that if they beat me, then they really beat me. No quarter is asked for and none is given.
When they finally win, the celebration is amazing – and I encourage it: Hey! You just beat the Old Man!
Can't Sleep over 9 years ago
I taught my son how to play chess.In no time at all he could beat me easily. The only times I would beat him were pure dumb luck. Or he was letting me… (hmmm. I wonder…)
Mumblix Premium Member over 9 years ago
Lynn’s Notes:
Aaron and my dad had a hard time playing board games. Aaron wanted to learn and Dad wanted to teach him, but they both wanted to win!
summerdog86 over 9 years ago
Everyone wants to be a winner. Unfortunately we all can’t win the same game at the same time. A good lesson to learn.
loner34 over 9 years ago
My grand son was elated when he got a draw with me!And he has progressed from there.
potrerokid over 9 years ago
There’s no such thing!!!!!
meowlin over 9 years ago
“You don’t want to discourage them and put them off ever learning to play better.”.Yes. And chess isn’t the only game that applies to.
USN1977 over 9 years ago
Canada has no president. It is a monarchy.
kab2rb over 9 years ago
Very good reasoning on chest. My son on checkers also taught me when he was young in order to keep game going one has to lose/loose checkers to see who would be King.
masnadies over 9 years ago
True that we adults want to learn new things and understand the strategy, but as a kid, sometimes I know I just wanted to win— or even just to have fun and didn’t care if I was even following the rules! (I am competitive now, at almost everything, but still much less so when odds of winning are very low)
And no, I was never given a trophy for “showing up” (well, maybe I was, but at 17 or 18, I wouldn’t have cared). I’d say the desire to win (often at all costs) is pretty well hard-wired in to many of us, others can be taught that enjoying the game, cooperating, etc., can often be as important or more important, and many have always and will continue to opt out of competition whenever possible. I knew all the types of kids, and I’m sure we all did- we probably all have different ideas of which is the best way to live!
prargall over 9 years ago
Never thought of that but nice advice. Thank you from me and the grandkids!Happy Holidays!
loves raising duncan over 9 years ago
Then win the old-fashioned way Mike, earn it!