It is really a basic principle when you think about it – practice what you preach. Most parents encourage their children to play fair, play by the rules, do their best, and try to have fun. These are some great pointers for our youngsters, but we need to make sure that we follow suit.
Sure, we all want our kids to succeed and want them to win. Let’s face it – it is a lot more fun and it just plain feels good, but they can’t win all the time. Its ok to lose and our kids need to know that. Each loss and failure in life should be used as a learning experience, whether it be in sports, business, or any other aspect of life.
Often times, our kids will mimic our behaviors. At the end of a practice or a game, lets show them how to be a good sport. Give the other kids a fist bump 
or high five and tell them good job. Congratulate the other team and their coach for a good game, win or lose. Show them that “Its not whether you win or lose, its how you play the game” isn’t just a cliche, but a real mentality that should live by.
We need to remember that our kids are always looking to us for guidance, even if we don’t realize it. Our words and actions will help to mold our kids and define who they become in life. Sportsmanship will not only help them in sports and in childhood, but in all aspect of their life at all ages.
