How do I respond when losing makes them quit halfway through the game? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child walks away from a game halfway through because they are losing, it can be a frustrating experience for both parents and the other players. It feels unfair to everyone involved and may seem as though your child is giving up too easily. Yet, this behaviour presents a crucial emotional lesson: the importance of perseverance, respect for others, and the value of seeing something through to the end. 

Recognise the Emotion Behind Quitting 

Children often quit partway through a game for deeper reasons: 

• They feel overwhelmed by a sense of frustration or embarrassment. 

• They fear the finality of losing and choose to escape early to avoid that feeling. 

• They have not yet learnt to find value in the effort itself, separate from winning. 

Understanding this emotional driver allows you to address the underlying insecurity rather than merely correcting the outward behaviour. 

What to Say in the Moment 

When your child leaves the game, it is best to avoid shaming them in front of others. Instead, use calm and steady phrases to guide them: 

• ‘I can see you are upset, but quitting is not the answer.’ 

• ‘Games are about finishing them together as players, not just about winning.’ 

• ‘Let us take a deep breath and see if you are ready to continue.’ 

This approach balances empathy with clear expectations about sportsmanship. 

Building the Habit of Finishing 

Later, once they are calm, you can have a more reflective conversation: 

• Acknowledge their feelings: ‘I know it felt tough when you were falling behind in the score.’ 

• Explain fairness: ‘When you quit, the other players miss out on finishing the game. We need to respect them by playing until the end.’ 

• Set gentle rules: Establish a family guideline that all games are to be played to completion, no matter the score. 

• Praise perseverance: Even if they lose, make sure to highlight the achievement of finishing. For example: ‘I am so proud that you stayed with the game until the very end.’ 

Practical Strategies to Encourage Perseverance 

To build this important skill, you can introduce a few helpful practices: 

• Play shorter games first: Start with quick rounds to gradually build their tolerance for seeing a game through. 

• Introduce cooperative games: Play games where you work together as a team against a challenge, shifting the focus from individual winning to collective effort. 

• Model persistence: Share your own stories of sticking with a task even when you were struggling or not succeeding immediately. 

• Use reflection questions: After a game, ask: ‘What did you learn by finishing? How did that feel different from quitting?’ 

With practice, children will begin to understand that finishing a task builds personal strength and shows respect, regardless of the final outcome. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that perseverance and commitment are integral parts of faith. While quitting when things become difficult might offer temporary relief, it ultimately prevents growth and weakens self-discipline. By guiding your child to finish what they start, you are planting the seeds of sabr (patience) and integrity in their character. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Muhammad (47), Verse 7: 

‘All those of you who are believers, if you assist Allah (Almighty – in the advancement of Islam); He shall help you (in all matters) and shall fortify your efforts.’ 

This verse highlights the immense value of steadfastness. It teaches that even when challenges arise, remaining firm brings strength and divine support. Encouraging your child to stay until the end of a game reflects this powerful principle in a small but meaningful way. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6464, that the holy Prophet Muhammad said: 

‘The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are few.’ 

This hadith reminds us that what truly matters is not grand, sporadic gestures but steady, reliable commitment. For a child, finishing a game even when they are losing is a practical exercise in consistency. It trains them to value perseverance over the fleeting comfort of giving up. 

When a child learns not to quit halfway, they begin to see that strength lies in patience, respect for others, and honouring their commitments. These lessons extend far beyond games, shaping their ability to face schoolwork, friendships, and future life challenges with resilience. 

By linking the simple act of finishing a game to the profound Islamic values of patience and faith, you prepare your child to be someone who does not retreat when life becomes hard, but instead stands firm with dignity and trust in Allah Almighty.