DR. LISA GOODMAN, DC, CCSP, CACCP

Competition in youth sports is often seen as a rite of passage, a way for children to develop grit, ambition, and drive. It can be a powerful motivator and valuable teaching tool, but like most things in life, it comes with nuance. While a competitive environment can push kids to new heights, it can also cause undue stress when not approached with care.

So, is competition good for kids? The answer isn’t black and white. It depends largely on how it’s introduced and supported by the adults in their lives and how the children themselves experience it.

The Upside of Competition

When done right, competition can be incredibly enriching. It encourages kids to set goals and push their limits. The pursuit of a personal best or a championship title fosters discipline, perseverance, and confidence. It also helps children develop emotional resilience, learning to navigate the highs of a win and the lows of a loss becomes a lesson in handling life’s inevitable ups and downs.

In team sports, competition takes on an added layer. It cultivates teamwork and communication, teaching kids how to work toward a shared goal and support one another along the way. For many, it makes sports more exciting. The thrill of a close game or the satisfaction of steady improvement keeps young athletes engaged and motivated.

There’s also an element of accountability. When kids know their effort and focus directly impact their performance and their team, they often step up. They begin to take ownership of their practice, preparation, and mindset, a valuable life skill in and out of sports.

When the Pressure Is Too Much

But competition isn’t always a positive experience. For some children, it can quickly become overwhelming, especially when the focus shifts from fun and development to winning at all costs. When parents, coaches, or peers place excessive pressure on performance, kids may start to fear failure more than they enjoy playing. This can lead to anxiety, loss of interest, or even burnout.

The joy of the game can also be dulled by constant comparisons. When children are made to feel “less than” because they aren’t as fast, skilled, or successful as others, their self-esteem can take a hit. And in more intense environments, rivalries can sour, creating rifts between teammates and opponents that undermine the social benefits of sports.

Over-training is another concern, especially when kids specialize early or play year-round without adequate rest. The physical and mental toll can lead to exhaustion or injury, and a once-loved sport may start to feel like a chore.

Finding the Balance

So how can we make sure competition stays healthy and positive?

It starts with reframing success. Rather than focusing solely on wins, adults should praise effort, growth, and sportsmanship. Encouraging kids to compete with themselves, to beat their own records or learn a new skill, helps foster intrinsic motivation and builds long-term confidence.

Emotional regulation is key, too. Helping kids navigate their feelings around competition, whether pride or disappointment, teaches them to process emotions in healthy, constructive ways. And in team settings, emphasizing collaboration and shared victories over individual accolades can create a stronger sense of community and support.

Perhaps most importantly, setting realistic expectations is crucial. Every child develops at their own pace, and unrealistic standards can lead to frustration and disengagement. Parents and coaches must model healthy attitudes by celebrating effort and maintaining perspective, even in the face of a tough loss.

A Win for Everyone

Ultimately, competition can be a force for good, when it’s used as a tool for growth rather than a yardstick for worth. It can teach resilience, encourage goal-setting, and bring joy to kids who love the game. But it’s essential to keep it in balance. Children should always feel free to chase a win, but never at the cost of their well-being or love of sport.

Because at the end of the day, the best kind of competition is the kind that leaves every kid feeling like a winner.