Jealousy and Other Feelings about Winning and Losing
Thoughts for the Week:
Competition can be hard for young children, and it's likely
to become a part of their lives from the moment they realize that parents' love
and attention have to be shared with others. In fact, I've come to think that
a fear of losing love is what makes "losing" difficult for many of us
our whole life long: Deep down inside we feel that winners are the ones people
love the best. If we can help young children feel that it is they, themselves
we love, not their winning or their losing, then we will be giving them a
healthy start in coping with the many competitions that lie ahead.
-- Fred Rogers
Summary of the Week:
Highlighting the week is a visit from "Sesame
Street's" Big Bird whose arrival in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe introduces
the subject of jealousy. Lynn Swann, Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame wide
receiver, shows how his ballet training helped him gain a competitive edge on
the football field. Mister Rogers also helps children deal with the
disappointment that can come from competition, when his friend Chef Brocket is
upset about losing a cake-decorating contest. The two friends talk about
winning and losing, helping children understand that the doing is the real
reward of any contest.
