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Why Participation Trophies Are Not a Threat to Our Kids
Are participation trophies harmful for children? This seems to be a surprisingly hot topic! It’s curious how passionate non-parents can be about this issue, while many parents I know don’t see it as a big deal at all.
Having only coached young kids, I might change my view as my children grow older, but I can’t find any valid reasoning behind the arguments against participation trophies. The main objections generally fall into two camps: 1) They diminish the value of sports, and 2) They foster a generation of weaklings, particularly among boys.
Do Participation Trophies Undermine Sports?
To those who believe they undermine sports, I ask: What motivates kids to attend weekly practices and games for three months if not for the love of the game and the joy of being part of a team? Are there really kids out there saying, “I don’t care about baseball or teamwork, but I’ll keep practicing just for a shiny trophy”? It seems to me that this idea is a complete straw man argument.
The Masculinity Debate
For the camp worried about masculinity, I totally understand. There’s always been chatter about how each generation’s boys are becoming less masculine, but that’s just nonsense. Let’s save that talk for another time!
I might feel differently when my oldest reaches an age where she might not want a participation trophy anymore. Honestly, she barely paid attention to the one she received last season! But for now, I’m all for rewarding every child I coach for showing up, improving their skills, being a good teammate, and embracing the experience with a participation trophy.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out this article on home insemination kit, which dives into the journey of starting a family. Additionally, for a comprehensive guide on artificial insemination, visit Make a Mom. And if you’re considering fertility treatments, March of Dimes offers a wealth of information on that topic.
Conclusion
In summary, participation trophies are not harmful to kids; they celebrate effort, teamwork, and growth. As a coach, I believe in recognizing every child’s contribution, and it’s an experience that helps build their confidence and camaraderie.