How should parents and coaches help children cope following “losses/defeats”?
• blame the weather conditions. • blame the referee for not calling infractions. • blame the unfair play of competitors. • blame it on lack of skill • blame it on lack of talent • blame it on lack o f strength or endurance • blame it on “God” or Karma • All or any of the above • None of the above • Don’t know/ don’t care The latest research indicates only how individuals cope with losses, not which is the “best”. It is clear, however, that Americans tend to assume personal responsibility for both successes and for losses. In fact, research indicates that American children may feel better about losses or defeats if they think that they had some control over the reasons for the defeat or loss. These children may benefit from a discussion of factors that they have control over that may have influenced the outcome, i.e., endurance, strength, or skill. If followed by a discussion focusing on what they might do to influence these factors children may indeed “learn” to approach failure or def
