«Child, don't be angry!»
It's actually quite simple: sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That's how games work.
But it's not that simple.
As a parent, you will no doubt have experienced a situation where the mood suddenly changes during a sociable game and your cheerful child turns into Rumpelstiltskin, angrily wiping the cards off the table and refusing to play any more. It is not the game that is to blame for this behaviour, but what lies dormant in the child. With younger children, it is often the idea that they can decide everything. This idea does not include losing, which is why fantasy and reality collide.
However, the reason for not being able to lose may also lie in the child's or young person's self-esteem - either too high or too low. Is your child used to not always having all their wishes fulfilled? Does your child feel that they always get the short end of the stick, that they are always unlucky? And do you set a good example as a role model and don't let defeats get you down so easily?
Stamina is required
It's not about teaching your child to lose unconditionally. It's about motivating yourself not to give up. Games are an excellent way to train this - both in real life and digitally.
However, the most important basic rule comes before the game: let your child grow up in mutual respect. So that they realise that the focus is on them as a person, not on their performance. In addition, when playing, don't let your child win for the sake of peace. Defeats and frustration are part of life and should be learnt how to deal with them. And don't let outbursts of anger get to you, but rather deal with them. Don't scold, instead mirror the behaviour and ask about the emotions that arise. This will help your child learn to accept their feelings and deal with them.
Game with
During puberty, conflicts with yourself and with others are the order of the day. Especially now, playing games together can help to loosen up the tense family situation: laugh together, achieve a goal together, compete - this is often a way to get into dialogue with each other. Games can also help you to let off steam, relax, recharge your batteries and find reassurance. Different game genres are suitable for this:
- Action-Games
- Abenteuer-Games
- Sport-Games
- Simulations-Games.
You'll find plenty of ideas online. And if not? Ask your child.
Multiplayer games are also popular with young people. These co-operative games focus on togetherness. The aim is to develop a strategy together with others or achieve a jointly defined goal. Teamwork is important, not competition. Everyone wins or loses together. Your child also learns that they are able to do something for the community. This promotes self-esteem.
On Medienstark you will find tips and interactive learning modules for the competent use of digital media in everyday family life. swisscom.ch/medienstark