MIMI'S STRATEGY What to do when you lose a game

By Linda Goudsmit

What should a child do when losing a game makes her whine, get mad, or want to change the rules?

Hildy loves games and becomes angry when she loses. Mimi reminds Hildy about the time they played Jenga and Mimi knocked over all the blocks and lost but didn't become angry. She explains that losing a game does not make someone a loser; it simply means the person lost that game. When Hildy begins to get upset later during a game of Concentration with Mama, she remembers what Mimi told her and tries Mimi's strategy

Mimi's Strategy: "The next time you play Candyland with your friends or Concentration with Mama and you lose the game I want you to STOP and picture in your mind Mimi knocking over all the Jenga blocks."

What children will learn:
- Remember that losing a game is not a judgment about personal worth.
- Accept winning and losing as normal parts of competition.
- Control whining, anger, and attempts to change rules.
- Use a loss as motivation to practice and improve.
Perfect for:
- Homeschool and public-school families teaching sportsmanship through games.
- Homeschool and public-school educators discussing competition, fairness, and self-control.
- Parents handling the frustration of their child losing.
- Grandparents who enjoy playing games and want them to be character-building moments.

Part of the growing Mimi's Strategy series, an expanding collection of illustrated books by Linda Goudsmit that turn everyday childhood problems into opportunities to stop, think, and choose a successful strategy to solve each problem. Designed for ages 3-8, the series gives families and educators a warm, repeatable way to talk about responsibility, independence, competence, self-control, critical thinking, and family life.

"Learning to think strategically rather than react emotionally is a valuable skill that will empower any child throughout his or her life. Plus, I have yet to meet the child who would prefer a reprimand to a kiss." - Linda Goudsmit

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1953255388
• ISBN13: 9781953255389
• Release Date: January 2026
• Publisher: Contrapoint Publishing
• Length: 50 Pages
• Weight: 0.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 3 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3