How to teach kids good sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is more than just a skill — it’s an essential value that helps our kids grow into respectful, empathetic adults. Whether it’s soccer, chess, or even a board game at home, teaching kids how to handle both victory and defeat with grace is a lesson that extends far beyond the playing field. 

If you’re a parent interested in fostering good sportsmanship in your child, this blog will guide you through what sportsmanship truly means, why it’s crucial for your child’s development, and actionable steps to instill this quality in everyday life. 

What does sportsmanship mean?

At its core, sportsmanship is about respect and character. It’s the way participants — players, coaches, and even spectators — respect the game, each other, and themselves while demonstrating integrity and fairness. For kids, this might look like congratulating teammates, playing fair, or staying calm when things don’t go their way. 

Teaching kids the value of sportsmanship helps build strong character and offers long-term benefits. It’s not only about being a good player; it’s about being a good person.

Why is teaching good sportsmanship important?

Helping your child develop good sportsmanship sets them up for success in both their personal and professional lives. Here's why it matters:

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• Builds character and integrity: Kids learn to value fairness, honesty, and empathy through sportsmanship. 

• Improves emotional regulation: Managing the highs and lows of competition helps kids handle emotions in real-world situations. 

• Fosters teamwork: Mutual respect and encouragement strengthen the bonds within a group. 

• Encourages lifelong skills: Respect, resilience, and self-control aren’t just game-day traits — they’re life skills. 

6 ways to teach kids good sportsmanship

If you’re ready to help your child thrive in sports, here are six practical strategies to get started. 

1. Lead by example 

Kids mirror what they see. If you cheer respectfully from the sidelines, maintain composure during tense moments, and praise effort over results, your child is more likely to adopt these traits. Parents who remain calm and positive often nurture kids who handle both success and failure gracefully. 

If you find yourself reacting emotionally to a game, take a step back and ask yourself, "How can I model the behavior I’d want my child to exhibit?" Your actions can teach them more than words alone. 

2. Praise effort over outcomes 

Focus on the effort — not just the results. Whether your child wins or loses, highlight their hard work, dedication, and growth. Comments like, “You played so well today! I noticed how hard you tried, especially in that last quarter,” can help them understand that doing their best is what matters most. 

This emphasis on effort prevents children from tying their self-worth entirely to winning or losing, making them more resilient during inevitable defeats. 

3. Teach them how to win and lose graciously 

Winning with humility and losing with dignity are essential parts of good sportsmanship. Encourage your child to shake hands with their opponent, thank their team, and show genuine happiness for others’ success. 

If they lose, remind them it’s OK to feel disappointed but emphasize the opportunity to learn. A statement like, “It’s tough to lose, but it gives you a chance to see where you can improve,” can help frame the experience positively. 

4. Highlight the value of fairness 

Fair play is non-negotiable. Teach your child that rules exist to keep the game equal and enjoyable for everyone. Cheating may bring a short-term win, but it damages trust and integrity in the long run. 

You can use real-life examples to show the importance of fairness, whether it’s calling out a mistake during a family board game or praising professional athletes who exemplify integrity. 

5. Encourage empathy 

Help your child put themselves in other kids’ shoes. Ask questions that encourage empathy, like, “How do you think they felt after that game?” This can foster a deeper understanding of their teammates and opponents. 

Empathy also combats unsportsmanlike behaviors like teasing or trash-talking, reinforcing kindness in competitive settings. 

6. Celebrate small victories and improvement 

Lastly, remember to celebrate personal growth, not just championship wins. Did they master a new skill? Build the confidence to speak up on the field? These small victories are just as important and contribute to their long-term development. 

Positive reinforcement makes kids feel valued and encourages them to keep striving for progress. 

Handling challenges as a parent 

Teaching sportsmanship as a parent can be rewarding but also challenging, especially during tough moments like losses, frustration, or low motivation. Handling these challenges effectively helps teach resilience and emotional growth.

After a loss, focus on helping your child process their emotions. Validate their feelings by saying something like, “It’s OK to feel upset about this.” Give them time to reflect before discussing how to improve. If frustration or poor behavior arises during a game, address it calmly afterward. Ask reflective questions like, “What can you do differently next time?” to encourage accountability and problem-solving.

When your child compares themselves to others, shift the focus to their personal progress. Celebrate their effort and growth, no matter how small, and remind them that setbacks are a natural part of improvement. Instead of offering immediate solutions, guide them to think critically by asking, “What do you think could help next time?”

As a parent, modeling good sportsmanship is key. Stay calm and positive, whether cheering from the sidelines or dealing with disappointments. By handling challenges with empathy and patience, you help your child develop the resilience and respect they need to overcome obstacles — both on and off the field.

Investing in your child's future

Teaching kids good sportsmanship is an investment in their future. It’s about much more than playing fair — it’s about nurturing values that will shape who they grow up to be. 

For additional resources on parenting, check out Greenlight’s Learning Center. And, if you want to equip your child with financial literacy tools, consider downloading Greenlight’s all-in-one money app to make learning about money fun. Try Greenlight now. 

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.