This, of course, is true not only in the schools but far too often, in homes as well. Conflict resolution includes pushing nutty ideas such as eliminating those things that might foster conflict, such as competition. In their book, Waging Peace in Our Schools , Linda Lantieri and Janet Patti tell us, In our curriculum, children are taught that cooperation is about working together toward a common goal, and that it has many advantages over competition because it allows people to help one another. There are certainly times when children benefit by working together to achieve a common goal. The real world is all about competition.
Competition builds character.
Experiencing the disappointment of defeat and the elation that comes with victory are emotions that children must learn early. It is these life situations, and how to deal with the emotions, that teaches children that each is fleeting. Eliminating competition is both unnatural and unhealthy. His mother scoffs at his request for breakfast saying that if he wants a warm breakfast he ll have to get up earlier. He grabs a banana and rushes for the bus, but misses it.