My son just turned six, and I’m looking to get him into wrestling this coming fall. I wrestled in high school, loved it, and want my son to gain some of the invaluable life lessons wrestling teaches. We tried soccer, but he just wasn’t that interested. Right now, he’s in Taekwondo. I’m trying to focus on making it fun, giving him a chance to make new friends, and highlighting the health benefits (though, at six, those mostly go over his head).

He seems to be doing well for now, but I notice that when the instructor corrects him, he gets flushed, and his eyes well up with tears. He’s a soft-spoken, sometimes timid kid (having four older sisters probably plays a role). Like many kids his age, he doesn’t like to lose and can be a poor sport about it. I was never great at losing either.

I know he’s just six, but I’m looking for parental and coaching advice on how to help him—and, if I’m being honest, how to navigate those emotions myself. I want him to enjoy it, not dread it.