Competition is a double-edged sword. It has its ups and downs. Some children thrive on competition while some are happy doing things for themselves. A healthy competitive spirit can bring out the best in a person. Competition helps kids to be aware of what is happening around them.

Competition

• involves decision making, discipline, self control, and maturity

• teaches kids to set long term goals and work towards achieving them

• helps them to develop problems solving skills

• encourages participation

• develops competency areas

• ensures that a child doesn’t become complacent

Competition can enhance or reduce motivation, depending on how it is used. It is good for some, but it may result in a few winners and many losers. Unmotivated or underachieving students often have difficulty dealing with defeat. Until they are ready to cope with defeat, it is more productive for schools to encourage students to compete against their own performance rather than with someone else’s.  Children should be encouraged to think of how they can be better, faster, stronger today than they were yesterday.