
It is probably one of the hardest lessons a person has to learn in life: There is always someone who can do something better than you. And not everyone is gifted in every subject. But everyone has strengths somewhere. Rejoice with the younger person about their success. And praise the older person in a field in which they outperform the younger one. You're sure to find one.

Be happy for the younger one, but boost the older one's self-esteem and say: «What's it like for you when your brother is praised like that by the coach and you're not? It must be disappointing for you, you've been playing football for much longer.» Don't comfort him by listing his other skills: «That's why you're good at maths!», but find out together whether he is still enthusiastic about playing football or not. It's great when children are allowed to do things they enjoy in their free time.

You won't be able to spare the older child the experience that the youngest is better at kicking a ball. After all, he will realise this himself. Rejoice with the younger one and - on another occasion - also rejoice with the older one, and understand that his brother's success causes him stomach ache; but don't turn it into an act of balance. Because that would be patronising for the older person.

