[Complete Pete]

When playing with kids, how often, if at all do you let them win? I'm not looking for a specific number, but what are your guidlines for throwing the game to let a kid win.<br><br>
In general, I let them lose more than they win. It shows them they've got a some practicing to do, but won't trounce them every time or they'll lose interest.<br><br>
DD is learning chess. She's lost the last several and I was gonna let her win within the next few games when she asked me if I would let her win. I did, she was happy, but it felt odd, going into the game with both of us knowing she was gonna win.<br><br>
Interestingly, Chutes and ladders should result in an even number of wins and losses, since it's a random game. I've lost 15 straight of that stupid game.

 

[jcumming]

Shooting baskets....never.<br><br>
Playing board games, card games etc...almost always.<br><br>
It's really cool when the time comes that you really have to try hard to win.

 

[dcoroner77]

Depends on the game and the kid.<br><br>
I will not let my oldest godson (age 11) win anything. Ever. This is because he is a terrible winner.

 

[pace2race]

Is it really much different than setting the computer version to easy? As long as they develope a sense of strategy for the game and you don't lie, what's the harm in keeping it fun?

 

[HighHeat]

<i>"To crush your enemies,... to see them driven before you,... and to hear the lamentations of their women." - Conan the Barbarian</i><br><br><i><br>
Kreese: What do we study here?<br>
Karate Class: THE WAY OF THE FIST SIR.<br>
Kreese: And what is that way?<br>
Karate Class: STRIKE FIRST. STRIKE HARD. NO MERCY SIR.<br>
Kreese: I can't hear you.<br>
Karate Class: STRIKE FIRST! STRIKE HARD! NO MERCY SIR!</i>

 

[HighHeat]

Children need to learn these ways. The only way they can learn is to be crushed by more superior opponents while they're still in their novice state...

 

[runinbehind]

I think the kid's age is a factor. When they're really young, I mean toddlers, they just don't have fun if they lose. And they truly don't understand that you're <i>letting</i> them win. As they get older, they have to understand that losing is one possibility when playing a game. My kids are 9 now and I would never <i>agree</i> to let them win. But when we play checkers I will say things like, "do you really want to do that?" I give them chances to correct themselves.<br><br>
I have twin daughters and when they play each other, it's no holds barred. It usually ends in a fight...one of them stomping away declaring she hates the other and will never play again.<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[McTortle]

Now see, I start off strong, and then the niece with the blue eyes and the princess curls looks at me and says, "I hold you now" and I'm a goner - so she wins all the cherries in the monkey's tree.<br><br>
I'm so ashamed. . .<br><br><img alt="sad2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad2.gif">

 

[HighHeat]

<br>
The force is strong with this one...

 

[Complete Pete]

<br>
Totaly, but I get sick of people thinking I'm a tool for taunting a 6 year old.<br><br>
Weak pathetic bastards!

 

[QuixoticNotions]

Once they get old enough, you gotta teach them that they can lose. So they learn to be gracious losers, and gracious winners.<br><br>
Or they end up like my little brother, toppling over the Risk board because he's losing. <img alt="uhoh2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/uhoh2.gif"><br><br>
But you don't want them to hate playing because they always lose, either.

 

[leanmattie]

That Conan quote is one of my favorites of all times.<br><br>
See? In principle, I think they have to earn a win. In practice, I'm a softie. However, there is always more to a game than just the X's and O's. If they can bat their eyes and coerce you into playing poorly, then that is a valuable thing to learn as well, so I don't think it's necessarily bad to let them win. However, they also need to learn that pretty eyes and a fetching smile aren't always the most effective ways to win. Too many people with a winning personality think that they don't have to develop actual winning techniques. So, I think it's nice to strike a healthy balance. If I ever figure out what that balance is, I'm going to write a book, make gajillions, and retire undefeated.<br><br><br>
With Respect,<br><br>
mattie

 

[carbonfiberRibs]

both my kids, 6 and 9, kicked my butt in Wii bowling when we first got it.<br>
Now, only my son beats me, but he's nailed a perfect 300 so the best I can do is at some point possibly tie him.

 

[Diane95]

I know this is going to surprise some of you who see me as the liberal softie who probably coddles her kids, but....um.... never. We teach him that the only way to get better at a game is to keep playing it, win or lose. We talk a lot about strategy and why I'm doing a particular thing on my turn. And I pretend I can't see his cards during Go Fish and Uno, because he still has a hard time holding them all in his hands. He's just started learning chess, so we'll talk through his options on a particular turn, for sure.<br><br>
He wins about as much as he loses, and we've only had a handful of those "I'm losing so I don't want to play" meltdowns, and then only when he's really tired. He's really good at figuring out the good strategies on new games. Maybe a little too good, in fact....

 

[dg1]

Not as much as I used to 'cuz pretty soon they'll be kicking my azz all the time and laughing at the old man.<br><br>
DD is already a better swimmer. Sprints she blows me away (she's done by the time I get up to speed). DS is already better at most video games and somehow always wins when we play Trouble. <img alt="confused.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/confused.gif">

 

[coacht]

This is the approach in my home too.<br><br>

 

[kerfwango]

+

 

[Xena]

I almost fell for it <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif">

 

[Tech Tee]

I did. Almost posted.

 

[fatmantrying]

Not too often. I can remember back when they were really young letting them win at stuff, but now it's full contact whatever! Bring it! <img alt="lol.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/lol.gif">