ItвЂ™s also good if children are all at the same skill level. Some might get into arguments with their team mates and even start cheating.Д¬ompetition works best when there are clear, fair and age-appropriate rules that everyone understands and agrees to follow before the game starts. Because they want to win, they might challenge rules and other players. And thatвЂ™s when children can sometimes find it hard to play fair. This can improve skills, encourage discipline and focus, and make children feel good about their achievements.Д¬ompetition also increases the desire to win.

When children compete against each other, the game becomes a challenge and motivates children to do their best. You can be a good role model on the sidelines too by saying things like, вЂBetter luck next timeвЂ™, вЂGood tryвЂ™ or вЂWell playedвЂ™. Following the rules, accepting referee decisions and being a good sport yourself all set a great example for your children. For example, вЂI thought it was great the way you shook hands with the other team at the end of the gameвЂ™.Д¬hildren learn about fair play by watching what you say and do. Give feedback: praise your child for sharing, taking turns and other examples of playing fair.For example, вЂIf the ball goes out of bounds, what do you think should happen?вЂ™ Children who feel theyвЂ™ve had a say in the rules are more likely to follow them. Encourage children to have a say in the rules: if youвЂ™re playing a game with flexible or made-up rules, ask children what the rules should be.Introduce some social rules: these could be rules about taking turns and congratulating other people when they win.You might also need to gently remind children of the rules as you play. Go over the rules of the game: before the game starts, make sure everyone knows the rules.Older children can also be good role models for younger children. For example, your child can look after younger children and maybe show them the rules.

Find a range of playmates: itвЂ™s good for your child to play with children who are older or younger.Even make-believe games can help children practise taking turns. Try board and ball games, competitive games of skill like chess, competitive games of chance, and cooperative games like charades. Give your child the chance to play lots of different games: the more experience and practice the better.Simple games that give each child a turn can work well for younger children вЂ“ for example, вЂsnakes and laddersвЂ™. For example, children younger than 6-7 years find it hard to understand formal rules. Consider the age of your child: children can learn about fair play more easily when the game is suitable for their age.You can use the following tips to help children of any age learn about fair play and enjoying the game. And when children get along well with others, it gives them a sense of belonging and helps them grow and thrive. ItвЂ™s also an important part of getting along with others. Playing fair helps children enjoy the experience of playing together. Playing fair is about learning and using the rules of the game and putting them into practice вЂ“ whether theyвЂ™re special family rules for card or board games, or the rules at Saturday sport.ДЇair play is also about learning social rules, like cooperating, taking turns, being polite, solving problems and being flexible.

Trouble game rules land on own marker