DD Won Coloring Contest -- Need Advice

[mickeyboat]

I just got a call that DD4 won an Easter basket in a local coloring contest. DD3 also submitted an entry.

At Halloween both girls entered a coloring contest and the store called and said they had both won in their age group, they shared the prize. I'm sure the store recognized that they were sisters and made them both winners.

Now I don't know what to do about the Easter contest. On one hand I don't want DD3 to feel bad about not winning, on the other hand, I want them to learn to lose gracefully and be happy for the winner. Should I tell them they both won again and have them share the prize, or should I tell them the truth and risk hurt feelings?

Parenting is so hard! (And intellectually stimulating, by the way).

Thanks for your replies.

Denae

 

[phillybeth]

I would pick up a small basket or stuffed animal for your 3 YO and tell her she got an honorable mention. 3 is too young IMO to learn the harsher realities of life.

 

[CEDmom]

I understand the lesson you're trying to teach and while important it's hard to grasp for such young children. Have you thought about getting the basket from the store putting it away somewhere and telling both girls other children won this time. They'd still learn that lesson but it might be an easier version for them to deal with. You could then take the stuff from the basket and put it in with their Easter goodies or even donate it.

 

[browneyes]

I'd tell them the 4 yo won. The 4 yo might be willing to share the basket with her sister.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

I agree with the getting something small for your 3 year old.

 

[Keli]

I would let them know that the four year old won but I would also strongly encourage the four year old to share her winnings with her sister.

 

[charabby]

I'd also let them know the 4 yo won and encourage sharing. Honestly, as long as the 4 yo does share, I don't think the 3yo would care if she 'won'.

Also, just saying, but I would definitely *not* hide the win from the 4 yo - that seems mighty unfair to me. I think b/c they are young, it's a good time to begin teaching them to be good sports. That's why I'd (strongly) encourage my 4 yo to share, but I'd also let the 3 yo know she had won.