A father wants his 8-year-old to succeed in soccer, but the child loves chess and feels like a failure. How should the nurse respond?

• A. The father should decrease his expectations to give the son a chance to succeed.
• B. The child has an introverted personality and should be encouraged to play isolated games.
• C. The father should encourage the son to participate in team sports instead of less physical activities.
• D. The child should be given opportunities to achieve a sense of competency in an area he chooses.

Answer: (D)

Belonging to the beginner-to-middle-childhood phase, kids grow by experiencing success in tasks that matter to them; these mastery experiences build self-esteem and motivation. When a child loves chess and already feels like a failure if pushed into soccer, the most supportive nurse response is to help the father create opportunities for the child to develop competence in an area he chooses. By focusing on chess—providing chances to practice, improve, and perhaps compete in a chess club or tournaments—the child experiences mastery, pride in progress, and a healthier sense of self-worth. This respects his interests and reduces pressure, which is key to sustaining motivation and emotional well-being.

Pushing him into a team sport he dislikes can make mastery seem out of reach and may deepen feelings of inadequacy. While encouraging a well-rounded, active lifestyle is reasonable, the emphasis should be on allowing him to gain competence in his chosen area. This approach supports positive self-perception and long-term engagement in activities he enjoys.