Competition is the process of trying to mentally, physically, or socially better one’s own performance or the performance of others. It has many motivations. For example: to increase effort, to test ability, to oppose a rival, to enjoy a challenge, to gain advantage, to improve capacity, to strive for influence, to make progress, or to win an opportunity.

Competition takes energy and effort, and it can risk frustration, failure, or defeat. Competition can have recreational value, as in sports; or it can have survival value, like in the marketplace. It can simply be fun to play or it can seriously contend for self-preservation or social advancement.

So, should parents support their adolescents learning to compete?

I believe the answer is ‘yes.’ However, it’s problematic. So, consider how this complexity might be so.

To the........

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