DS's story is through to next stage in competition - DD's isn't. WWYD?

[chicaguapa]

DD(10) and DS(7) both entered stories into the Radio 2 500 Word Story competition and we have found out today that DS's story has gone through to the next round. He has made it through to the next 2,000 out of 74,000 entries!! We are so proud of him.

But... DD's story didn't. We wanted to be able to celebrate DS's acheivement but also acknowledge with DD that she must be disappointed. So we told her tonight but didn't really know what to say. I'm not sure we handled it as well as we'd have liked. She was really upset and cried, saying she didn't want to be there when we told DS in the morning. (DS was asleep when we got the email so he doesn't know yet.)

We told her that we were very proud of both of them for having the confidence and faith in their own stories to enter the competition. And that she wasn't in competition with DS as they were in different categories, so no-one is saying DS's story is better than hers. We talked a bit about the things that she's good at in her own way and how they are different people so are good at different things.

I don't want to downplay DS's acheivement in getting through. He was in the under 9s category so has done fantastically well to get this far at the age of 7 (year 2). And as the younger sibling, he often feels he is overshadowed by DD, so this is his moment to shine.

It must be really hard to get the balance right eh? Any advice? Thanks.

Sounds to me as if you've already handled it really well!

Sounds like you have done your best. She will be fine, maybe suggest that her good example of wonderful story writing clearly was helpful to ds.
Disapointment is sadly part of life.

We are in exactly the same position, DD(9) got through DD(6) didn't, we told them both at the same, said that we were incredibly proud of both their work, but DD 1, had been chosen.

They both took it really well, especially DD1 , we printed out both of their stories, which they took into school and read out in assembly.

DD1 did say if she won any books DD2 could choose half of them.

Good luck to your DS.

Aww - well done.

That's life though isn't it?

You've clearly avoided any 'comparison' of the 2 DCs so just keep doing what you're doing.

I think that's fantastic for your DS! Well done him.

Both my DD and DS2 entered and neither has got through; last year DS1 (NOT a writer) and DD entered a local story writing comp and DS1 won his category! We were amazed but so pleased for him. I agree you have handled it well and yes, there will be disappointments in life.

I think it is very important that DC realise that it is not all equal. I know someone who always has to give a treat of some kind to DC1 if DC2 has somethign special (Cubs sleepover etc). I think that way madness lies tbh. Soemtimes one of my 3 DC will win something. Sometimes another will. I don;t keep a tally and it's just as well frankly.

Hope yr DS gets furtehr in the comp - fingers crossed foe him!

sorry abot typos - been drinking wine in the pub (unusual for me, honest )