When Do Kids Become Competitive?

Sports, spelling bees, video games ̵1; all are about competition. Competitiveness is a part of life, affecting kids in different ways depending on their personality type. While competitiveness in itself is not a negative thing, how a child conducts himself during the event speaks volumes. For some kids, sports and other organized activities start in preschool. With such an early focus on winning, some may wonder when kids actually start to become competitive.

  1. Learned Behavior

    • Contrary to popular belief, a person is not born with a competitive spirit. As The Pennsylvania State University website explains, competitiveness is a learned behavior and not instinctive. Although kids have survival mechanisms inborn, the desire to come out on top is something that develops in a competitive environment. Whether it is parental influence or trained initiative, a child̵7;s thrill for competition is a direct result of what the world teaches him.

    Handling Competition

    • The competitive edge and everything that comes with it does not begin to manifest until a child is approximately 5 years old. However, this does not necessarily mean that a five-year-old is completely ready for organized competition. In fact, the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service website states that children under the age of 10 or 11 do not have the skills to work as part of a team or handle defeat.

    Competition Readiness

    • When it comes to a child̵7;s competitive readiness, age is only a number. Kids grow and mature differently and just because one child shows signs of competitiveness at the age of five, doesn̵7;t necessarily mean another of the same age will follow suit. According to the North Dakota State University website, kids who participate in competitive activities before they are mentally, physically or emotionally ready may experience low self-esteem and lack of confidence. A kid that looks like she is not having a good time, or develops headaches or stomachaches prior to participation, is most likely not ready for competitive activities.

    Sportsmanship

    • Healthy competition teaches kids appropriateness and fairness ̵1; as long as these behaviors are displayed during competition by everyone involved. Parental support should be high and demands on their children low. Parents and coaches should act as role models, showing good sportsmanship ̵1; respect, consideration and courtesy -- at all times. According to The Ohio State University website, unsportsmanlike conduct displayed by children requires swift action, with the parents and coaches explaining why the behavior is unacceptable.

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