From my seat in the back row, I noticed you. Together, we braved the long, drawn-out hours of the elementary school awards ceremony, a time to recognize the hard work and dedication of our children over the past year. As the list of honorees continued, some names repeated endlessly, I watched you. You clapped enthusiastically for every child called, even when the same name echoed for what felt like the hundredth time. I saw you smile and cheer for those parents rushing to capture the perfect photo moment in the aisle.
But as the minutes dragged on, your smile began to waver. I could feel my own expression mirror yours as we both waited for our children’s names to be announced. We entered the ceremony knowing our kids weren’t the top achievers or the sports stars. Yet, surely, there had to be some recognition—some acknowledgment of their efforts this year.
I saw you glance at your child, who was cheering on classmates with no award in hand. I noticed the quick wipe of a tear from your cheek. My heart ached for you.
We find ourselves in this challenging gray area. On one side, there’s the notion of “every child should receive a prize,” while the other insists, “the world is tough, and so must be the lessons we teach.” We’re caught in the middle, understanding both perspectives.
The children who received awards undoubtedly deserve recognition for their hard work, and their parents should beam with pride. But we too have reasons to celebrate. Though our kids may have left the ceremony without trophies, they have achieved so much more than what fits on a certificate.
Perhaps our kids have shown up consistently, even during tough times. Maybe they shared lunch with someone in need or offered encouragement to a classmate feeling down. They might have put extra effort into a project or invited every student to a birthday party, including that one child who often feels excluded. They are the ones who persist, even when faced with challenges, embodying resilience and compassion.
Let’s ensure our children know their accomplishments are also worthy of celebration. The world can be a harsh place, and it desperately needs more individuals who are kind, empathetic, and determined to make a difference.
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In summary, while awards are often seen as the pinnacle of achievement, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the countless other qualities that make our children remarkable. Let’s remind them that their efforts, no matter how small they may seem, are indeed worthy of praise.