Are participation trophies really detrimental to children? It’s a surprisingly divisive topic. Interestingly, many who don’t have kids seem to care more about this than actual parents do.
Having only coached young children, I might change my perspective as my own kids grow older, but I genuinely see no valid reasoning behind the arguments against participation trophies. The main criticisms can be categorized into two groups: 1) They diminish the true value of sports, and 2) They foster a generation of overly sensitive individuals, particularly among boys.
To those who believe the first point, I ask: Why do so many kids commit to regular practices and games for three months just for a cheap trophy? Where are these kids who state, “I don’t care about baseball or learning teamwork, sportsmanship, or making new friends, but I’ll keep attending practices because I want that trophy”? This notion that participation awards confuse kids about the essence of sports is merely a straw man argument.
Regarding the second point, I understand the concerns about masculinity. Yet, every generation since the early 20th century has claimed that men are becoming “feminized,” and frankly, it’s nonsense. Let’s save the drama for another time!
In a few years, I might think my oldest child is too mature for participation trophies. However, I suspect that by then she won’t be interested in receiving one anyway, as she hardly cares about the one she got last season! For now, I intend to reward each child I coach for their commitment, improvement, and sportsmanship with a participation trophy.
This article echoes sentiments expressed in other discussions about parenting, such as those found in our blog on home insemination. If you’re looking for expert insights, Cleveland Clinic offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, if you’re interested in DIY options, check out Make A Mom for authoritative information.
In summary, participation trophies are not harmful to children; they can actually promote valuable life lessons. Children show up, learn, improve, and bond with teammates, and they deserve recognition for their efforts, even if it’s just a small trophy.