Competion

You really have your hands full as sibling boys are commonly competitive. Competition is something to be nurtured though when it helps the individual strive to achieve his personal best. Boys, particularly, need to regularly experience success, when this becomes an issue, as it seems to be for your youngest, they experience 'learned helplessness'. Parents can offset this by structuring situations where the child can success. Give him opportunities away from his brother where he has an interest and celebrate his success along the way. Research suggests that fathers/father figures can greatly influence this so do bear this in mind. Be mindful that both your sons are doing what is perfectly natural for young boys as it is easy, and again only natural, for a parent to feel aggrieved at the elder and protective of the younger. With opportunities available throughout their childhood to develop and experience success in their own right in their own way both will grow in confidence and independence.

Here are some thoughts from our friends on Facebook Sarah Sparkles don't make things competitions avoid who can finish first type games /motivations tell them oten why they are both special and unique to you so I love the detail in your pictures! wow that imagination shown there is amazing look at all those legs ! that must have taken AGES ! tell them WHY not just generic wow that's good! Nicola Lamb Competition is rife!! I'm teaching my son of 5yrs at present that no matter what happens who ever wins you are the real winner if you can remain feeling good no matter the outcome. It all comes down to self esteem if feeling good theres no need to compete. We practice during board games as we can have quite a few tears and feeling bad if losing but over a week of practicing feeling good even when another wins he's now conquered enjoying it rather than competing and it gives him insight into his own emotions too! :)