It can push you to drive too hard. Competition is not just for work, school and the playing fields. Some of the most intense competition takes place at home. Almost any parent who has more than one child has experienced the competition that can occur between siblings. Mild sibling rivalry can help children learn about competition in a safe environment.
Intense rivalry can leave lasting scars.
It is important for parents to model a healthy attitude towards competition in athletics and academics. If a parent feels that his child is defective in one area, he may insist that the child make it up to him by excelling in another area. If the child disappoints the parent with his classroom performance, he had better be a stellar athlete. This can promote an unhealthy narcissism in the child. He may feel that he has the right to win at any cost cheating, or sabotaging other players.