As we grow from a young child to an adult, we have many experiences. These are teaching moments which help develop our character and habits. Sometimes the methods used are softened because to some the old method seemed harsh. But my question is have we gone too far. Isn’t it important that kids need to learn some of the harshness of life in order to navigate through it. A person who has experienced difficulty has a toughness that will help them be better equipped to deal with life problems and come out stronger on the other side.
My wife, Mimi, has always said the worst decision made was giving everyone a trophy. A participation trophy for just showing up, not for the effort you make. In real life there are no trophy’s for participation. You’re hired for a job or task and you’re expected to show up and contribute. That’s the way it is, but expectations of younger people judge this as unfair. They want acknowledgement for participating, because that’s what we taught them. All through their life they received a trophy for being on the team without any consideration for the effort they put in, so why would they expect anything different when they join the real world.
We have taught our kids to be entitled by giving them a trophy without making the effort. This started a long time ago, but everyone doesn’t deserve a trophy The first participation trophy started in 1922 but it didn’t become a standard until the 1990’s. So in the 90’s we started handing out trophy’s to every kid who was on a sports team not matter what. Our job is to teach our kids to strive for their best effort, even if they aren’t the most talented. When everyone gets a trophy this becomes much more difficult.
Do your kid a favor and reward them for their effort, but know that a reward requires effort not just participation. “Just Saying . . .”
