My NKs are 6 going on 7. (If you need more context on what I’m working with, check out my previous posts). They really love competitive games but usually have tantrums when things don’t go their way. Like most siblings, they usually don’t agree on what to do or who picks first, so I suggest something like flipping a coin, rolling dice or rock paper scissors. I always try to preface things with “be a good sport and accept the result.” Whoever loses has a meltdown and demands a do-over 😂. The last tantrum was because one of them forgot to say “uno” and had to draw some more cards. Ummm… am I supposed to change the rules of a game just so that they don’t pitch a fit? Am I being petty here?

I’m not trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill here but I already see the wrong attitudes brewing in these kids. They rely so much on “winning” or “being right” as validation that they can’t handle it when things don’t go their way. What bothers me more is that they have the tendency to rub things in other people’s face and take every opportunity to tell you “I’m winning, you’re losing” or “I have more Monopoly money than you”. When they lose on the other hand, they’re rolling on the floor screaming, crying or throwing game pieces. If we’re playing a game and their odds aren’t looking too good, they just quit. They also try to be sneaky and find ways to cheat when you aren’t looking. I don’t want to feed into this idea that the world revolves around them or that rules should change because they don’t like them. I try my best to model good sportsmanship by saying things like “good move”, “that was a good game”, “I lost, but I had fun”.

I’m worried because now they’re starting different sports and clubs. Mom and dad always try to appease them when they throw a tantrum and it’s not helping anything.