Youth Inc. Recommends: How to Deal with Losing

Losing is part of sports, but learning how to handle it with grace, perspective, and resilience is where the real growth happens. For young athletes, losses can feel heavy. That’s why it’s so important for coaches and parents to help kids process disappointment in a healthy way and use it as a learning moment rather than a setback. 

The best teams don’t just win with class—they lose with character. And those habits start early. Whether it’s helping players reflect after a tough game or teaching kids how to support their teammates through frustration, there are plenty of ways to turn a loss into something meaningful. 

Here are four resources that offer great advice and best practices for dealing with losing—and turning it into one of the most valuable lessons in youth sports. 

10 Tips Parents Can Do to Help Their Child After Losing a Game  

What it is: A practical article that offers parents clear strategies to help kids manage emotions and build resilience after a loss. 

Why we like it: It emphasizes sportsmanship, emotional validation, and long-term development—tools every parent can use right after a tough game. 

Best Lessons for Coaches to Help Your Team After a Loss  

What it is: A short, insightful video from a child psychologist explaining how to guide kids through the emotions of losing. 

Why we like it: It’s digestible and encouraging, with easy-to-understand tips for shifting a child’s mindset toward growth and perspective. 

Teaching Your Kids How to Lose Gracefully  

What it is: A well-produced, animated video from NPR’s Life Kit that explores how to teach kids good sportsmanship, especially in the face of losing. 

Why we like it: It’s fun, accessible, and speaks to both kids and adults—making serious lessons feel relatable and engaging. 

Participation Guidelines for Youth Basketball Players  

What it is: A comprehensive set of age-appropriate guidelines created by the NBA and USA Basketball to support the healthy development of young athletes. 

Why we like it: It promotes balanced competition and puts player well-being first reinforcing the idea that how kids handle wins and losses matters more than just the score.