Parenting Insights
March 24, 2023
At my son’s previous school, he consistently brought home various academic awards. His dedication is evident; he is always focused, completing his assignments with excellence. Thankfully, I’ve never had to push him to study or do homework—his intelligence shines through effortlessly.
During the awards ceremony, just before announcing the winners, the principal made an unusual request: “Please refrain from clapping or cheering as each student receives their award. We’ll save our applause for the end.” My heart sank. I couldn’t understand why the excitement of achievement was being downplayed.
For my son, these moments are akin to a sporting event. School is where he excels, and he deserves to celebrate his victories. While he may not earn a trophy for scoring a winning goal, he does achieve honors for his academic performance—like straight A’s or having the highest GPA in his grade. Sure, he could join a debate or science team, but if that doesn’t spark his interest, school is his arena.
Why is it that we don’t cheer as loudly for academic prowess as we do for athletic accomplishments? The dedication of a student who studies diligently deserves just as much recognition as the athlete who practices tirelessly.
As the principal finished his announcement, I noticed parents quietly putting their hands down, and the enthusiasm in the bleachers faded. With little fanfare, students stepped up to collect their awards and returned to their seats. Occasionally, a parent would burst into applause when their child was recognized, but I held back, following the principal’s instructions.
This moment reminded me of the day my son walked into kindergarten. He stood at the back of the line, tall and proud. At his kindergarten graduation, he received a paper-plate award that read, “Loves playing with his friends and playing with cars.” I found myself wishing it had highlighted his love for reading or building intricate Lego structures—qualities that reflect his true potential.
Some awards may seem insignificant, but others reflect hard-earned achievements. So, why don’t we express the same enthusiasm for academic accomplishments as we do for sports?
“Why can’t I just throw these certificates away?” my son asked when I encouraged him to keep them. “You earned these, and I’m proud of you,” I said, as he reluctantly retrieved a binder filled with his awards. Someday, I hope he’ll look back on those certificates with pride when he finds them tucked away in a box I give him after college.
Academic achievements are as valuable as athletic ones, and it’s vital that we celebrate our smart kids. If we don’t, we risk sending the wrong message—that those awards can be discarded and that society doesn’t appreciate the talents these children contribute.
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In summary, it’s essential to celebrate academic achievements just as much as athletic ones. Students who work hard deserve recognition, and encouraging this can foster a positive attitude toward learning.