Men's Health

The myth: don’t let your child win

If you’ve never watched The Great Santini, track it down on DVD. “You feel like it’s your job to toughen him up to the cold, cruel world,” says psychologist Dr Lawrence Cohen, the author of Playful Parenting. No, your job is to build your son’s confidence. Of course, when he’s young, make the wins easy. When he pushes, fall over with all the glory of a pro wrestler. As he grows older, increase the intensity and eventually ask if he wants to face your “A” game. He’ll appreciate the honesty and soon his victories will be non-insulting – and fully earned.

Sep 12, 2012