My 9-year-old just beat me at Mario Kart and I'm not okay

Dec 6·1 min read

This is the first time he's legitimately won without me letting him win. I don't know why but it hit different - like I'm officially old and slow now. He was SO proud though, which was sweet, but also now I need to figure out if I keep losing on purpose to boost his confidence or if I try to win back some dignity. He's already asked if we can play again tomorrow. This parenting thing has layers.

5 comments336 views

Comments(5)

PPhil C.RegularDec 6

This is actually beautiful growth. He got fast enough, skilled enough, confident enough to beat you. That's parenting working. The 'I'm old and slow' feeling is real but also you literally created this competitor. Let him have his moment

SSam T.New DadDec 7

The bittersweet hit different when it's Mario Kart. But honestly his pride at winning is cooler than you staying dominant at video games. He remembers the day he beat dad way longer than either of you remember the wins before

SSam F.New DadDec 9

his pride is the thing here. capture that feeling. years from now you'll remember his face more than the loss. let him win more, keep racing him. these moments matter way more than your ego staying undefeated

MMarcus W.RegularDec 9

That's a good hit to take man. And the fact that he was proud is the actual win here - you raised a kid confident enough to beat you and happy about it. That's the goal, even if it stings a little

SSean A.RegularDec 9

Lol welcome to the moment every parent hits. But real talk - him beating you fair and square and being genuinely proud is exactly what you want. Let him have this win. There will be plenty of things you're still better at for like... 10 more years