I adore my children and genuinely believe they are the greatest beings to ever grace this planet. However, I can’t help but feel that handing out trophies and awards for mere participation—like showing up to soccer practice—has escalated beyond reason.
Why should kids receive medals for simply engaging in age-appropriate activities? Do we really need to give out ribbons for turning five, or for playing in the orchestra that they were already expected to join? I once attended a ceremony where my child received a certificate for being nice to a friend… once. Is this the new standard? That kids anticipate recognition for basic human decency? It’s no surprise my son gives me a skeptical look when I ask him to tidy his room—after all, he’s already been celebrated for his fleeting acts of kindness.
We’re setting unrealistic expectations. In adult life, awards are scarce. I would much prefer a cash bonus instead of a fancy plaque. When I scrub the toilet or navigate a grocery store with two kids, I don’t get a trophy—just an endless cycle of dishes and dinner prep, devoid of any accolades.
And let’s talk about these endless graduation ceremonies for every minor milestone. I don’t remember graduating from preschool or fifth grade. Why do we feel the need to celebrate every little achievement with a lengthy ceremony? I would much rather enjoy a casual gathering with cookies and conversation than sit through a drawn-out event where I’m urging my daughter to stop picking her nose in public!
Today’s kids have grown to expect stickers at every store, awards at every event, and praise for simply behaving correctly. Why? Because we have set this precedent. The stickers usually end up on my rear end as a joke, while the medals and trophies gather dust in the toy box, losing their significance. Initially, there may be a moment of excitement, but soon they become just more clutter in our homes—reminders of accolades that hardly hold any value.
Certainly, our kids possess unique skills, and some accomplishments warrant genuine recognition. Awards should reflect true effort and dedication, not be handed out like candy. It’s vital to teach our children to be kind and to understand that they shouldn’t expect recognition for merely fulfilling their responsibilities. Let’s focus on fostering intrinsic motivation rather than placing value on extrinsic awards. After all, we do what we do because we enjoy it or it’s simply the right thing to do—not for a pat on the back.
Reserve those awards for truly meaningful achievements. Like winning a Nobel Prize—at least that comes with a million dollars!
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In summary, while the intention behind recognizing our children’s achievements is good, we must be careful not to dilute the significance of awards by giving them out too freely. Let’s cultivate a culture where genuine effort is celebrated, rather than simply showing up.