Thanks for sharing. I know my kids know that they are meaningless, which is why I think we should stop giving them out for everything. I played sports from the time I was 8 and played college football so I have had my fair share of disappointing seasons. However, those reminders of losing made me stronger on and off the field. I pushed my self harder and always had support from those loved ones that surrounded me. I worked hard and was able to play football in college and get a degree. Sports/hard work was a way for me help pay for my education, it was not given to me. I agree that kids need to be praised above all and parents do fail in this area. Honestly, I think they need more praise!. I think the reward issue is up to the parents. I grew up in lower income area and a lot of families could not afford the registration fees for their kids to play. The reward for those kids is the “participation” in the sport alone. We have to remember that not everyone has the ability to play sports or do activities that we are blessed with. I will be the first one to admit that I will take the kids now and then to get an Icee/Slushy after a game!

Thanks! I agree there is much more to life than trophies.

Thanks Matt, I agree. There is definitely a line that people do not like to to cross when it come to offending people. I really never cross that line, but at times my toes are pressed against it. Kids, and even adults, need to understand what defeat feels like. It makes us stronger all around. I am not perfect in any means and if you ask my oldest “I know nothing about soccer!” Which I really don’t. But I do understand kids. By the way, We did get our fat win of the season and it was at the last game. The Kids were more excited to get the win then the plastic award after the game. Al they really need is a “Good Pat on the Back” just letting them know how well they did!. Thanks again!

I think this attitude of not wanting to offend anyone creates in people a corresponding attitude of “I shouldn’t be offended or in any way put out.” This is why the world is full of so many people who feel that they are entitled to whatever they want, purely because they want it and ‘my rights’ or something…
Again, great article!

I would love to give out awards for everything for my kids. The “cleanest room award” or the “share the toy award.” Actually that would not be a bad idea, a little motivation maybe. HAHA. Awards are for what you have worked hard for individually and/or as a team. We want our kids to have a self-worth and strive for that sense of “accomplishment.” If we give them trophies for showing up, what about us MOMs and DADs? Thanks for the comment.

So I guess I should not enter that 5K this weekend! HAHA. I don’t think I could run a 5k! the kids pretty much wear me out. I agree 100%