As we are moving further, we are getting deeper in to competitive environment. It’s not an exaggeration to say that a child is born having this competition spoon in mind. As soon as he becomes somewhat able to understand, parents shove him/her in to different activities sometimes even against will.

If we delve some deeper into this discussion (whether competitions are harmful or beneficial), we may get no conclusion even after hours of brainstorming or interaction. There is one school of thought that says competitions inculcate confidence and skills in kids. At the same time, the other school of thought says that online competitions create unnecessary pressure on the novice minds of kids. It puts them in to undue stress which may create negative feelings like jealousy, anger etc.

Whatever you think so, I personally believe that there can’t be strict conclusion. As a coin has two sides, kids competitions do have both merits and demerits.

Let’s discuss it in detail:

Merits

If child is interested in any activity, making him/her taking part in competition related to that will hone skills further.

No doubt, competitions increases the exposure and confidence of children. Also, they make them think in a different manner.

Competitions inculcate discipline in kids and make them career oriented. If they win, they may get accolades for people of different genre which is good for their future.

Taking part in different free competitions make children worldly wise and boost up their personality.

There are some competitions which involve cash amount and other prizes. It can also help to an extent financially.

Demerits of competitions

As emphasized earlier, it’s not just to hunch the kid in to any participation against his/her will. Parents should understand this. Any force or deliberation may create negative feelings in his/her mind.

Children are very sensitive by nature. Sometimes, they take it to heart. If they lose, they may lose their confidence.Sometimes, it may create jealousy or hatred towards the winner. Thus, instead of generating healthy competitive feelings, it may work other way which is not pleasant.

So, as we have seen, competitions may be helpful or may be harmful. There is no strict rule as such.

Parents, no doubt, want their child to be all rounder. It is though necessary seeing the competition in today’s world but they should not pressurize their kid for doing anything.I want to mention a special incident here. Some days back, I was watching a dance competition on TV in which a three years old girl was also a participant.

As she was suffering from a sort of paralysis, she was not a normal child. The way she danced, it really touched my heart. After some days, I heard a review from a doctor regarding that. She had said that dancing too much can cause abnormality in her legs.

I was really appalled to read that. Nobody knows whether parents forced her or she was herself willing, but in both of the cases, she should not have been allowed to take part.

Online competitions inculcate confidence and skills among kids. But parents need to be very cautious. For more details, log on to competitions.net.au .