Hello World! Welcome Friends! There have been a lot of controversies surrounding the ever-growing use of participation trophies in kids’ events. Most people think that these tokens of victory encourage laziness and a sense of entitlement among children. For a long time, participation trophies have developed a bad rap.
It is a very complicated issue that always leaves parents criticizing the whole idea. But among all the claims coming from the critics, there is hardly any proof that these prizes really do children harm. Why not try looking at the issue from a totally different point of view: What if giving kids a cut-price trophy is a good thing after all?
Here are some of the different ways of how participation trophies positively affect kids:
It represents children’s effort
When deciding whether to give children trophies or not, it is necessary that adults consider what essentially motivates children to seek excellence in everything they do. It’s true that extrinsic motivation on their own isn’t exactly helpful in building children’s motivation. But when children are given trophies by virtue of their effort, it can make them concentrate on what they can change.
There’s a difference between giving children a trophy out of sheer reward and giving them trophies out of the desire to keep them motivated. This helps children develop a mindset that conscious effort is linked with a good outcome. It is a great way of reinforcing their work ethic.
It encourages a sense of belonging
There is something more to the children’s fairground than mere awards. When children get to socialize with their teammates, they develop a certain level of self-esteem. This is because the friendship that is formed in the events promotes a sense of belonging that makes children realize their value.
According to research, children start to develop their self-esteem (positive or negative) when they are around five years old. It would be great to strengthen the children’s sense of belonging by handing them something meaningful. A physical reminder that they will always be a part of something great will be treasured.
It promotes teamwork and mutual respect
When children start to see the value of their effort in achieving something, they also start to see the value of others’. It does not take the MVP title to be acknowledged. As long as everyone puts their honest effort for the team’s success, they can always be valued.
Such a form of mutual respect and appreciation is being encouraged through teamwork. And this value is so important for adults as it is for children. As a matter of fact, it can help children land a good job when they get older.
Participation trophies do not thwart children’s pursuit of winning
Children are fairly aware of the difference between receiving a participation trophy and winning. Although it’s true that they value the recognition of their hard work, they still value winning more.
Children will not be discouraged just because someone else’s hard work is being meaningfully acknowledged. People who are passionate about their dreams and want to succeed are often driven by intrinsic reinforcements. Their biggest rival is basically themselves.
Since children are aware of the difference between winning and receiving participation trophies, this serves as a reminder that there is always room for growth. Getting their hands on it makes them think, “Hey, that was a whole lot of fun, but I want to win next time.”
Trophy fosters perseverance
Perseverance is one of the most important values that will get the children through any adversity. If a child goes to a contest and unfortunately loses the competition, he will most likely think that all of his efforts went to waste. Consequently, he will become less motivated thinking that effort has no connection with achievement.
By giving children participation trophies as an act of recognizing their hard work, this negative mindset will be avoided. Additionally, being rewarded for their efforts can have a lasting, positive impact on their development. It also instills the importance of trying new things as an individual or as a member of a team.
Balance is extremely important
So much of the controversies stem from the fact that participation trophies are a form of extrinsic motivation that gives children unrealistic expectations. But at the end of the day, keeping in mind that this kind of reinforcement is often seen as a motivational reminder changes everything.
Children who have developed positive self-esteem may not find participation trophies as inherently rewarding. But for children who need a little encouragement, giving trophies will help a lot.
When giving participation trophies, communication is necessary. Tell the children that the reason that they are given these token is that their hard work is being recognized. Trophies are reminders that effort always leads to fruitfulness.
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