It is at this point I disagree with certain aspects of modern society. I believe pressure is good. If you don't learn to cope with pressure at a young age, then how are you supposed to deal with it later on in life? Earning a living, raising a family, performing in a highly pressurised job are all things we need to be able to handle. How can people expect to do that if they have never been taught to? Of course, there are different levels of pressure and young children can't be expected to deal with everything life may throw at them. But in my book there is nothing wrong with gradually cranking up the level of expectancy as they grow older.
Winning is good. Hurting when you lose is even better. These are emotions that should be experienced and tucked away in the back of your mind at an early age so you are in no doubt how you want to feel in the future. It sounds awful, but I'm pleased when I see my kids getting upset if they lose at something. It proves we are all born with a hunger, a will to win and a desire to please.
It is such a shame that for many youngsters, those attributes are drained away from them throughout childhood, robbing them of vital attributes for later life. I cringe when I hear parents saying it's the taking part that counts. Of course, everyone should be encouraged to enjoy what they are doing. If it's not fun, they won't want to continue taking part and improving. That said, one thing I have learned is that winning is a whole lot more fun than losing.