Participation trophies\ribbons for children: A good tor bad thing, and why?

1. 67

   Matthew RNposted 8 years ago

   Participation trophies\ribbons for children:  A good tor bad thing, and why?
   
   Does this practice assist in children's self esteem because "everybody wins," or does this give children a false sense of how life works today?

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2. 68

   Michaela Osieckiposted 8 years ago

   In a society where people are becoming increasingly more withdrawn, being rewarded for actually participating could be a good prompt in getting people out and about, actually doing things. This might be especially important for kids, majority of whom are glued to their tech.

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3. 93

   lisavollrathposted 8 years ago

   I read an article recently about the generation hitting the work force now, and how this practice has influenced their behavior. They were rewarded just for showing up as children, and now, as adults, they want to be rewarded just for showing up to their jobs. The idea that only those who excel are rewarded with praise, promotions, and raises, seems to be a difficult one for them.
   
   In life, you are rarely rewarded just for showing up, so I think we shouldn't teach our children this idea.

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   1. 84

      gmwilliamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Exactly, life is about working hard.  Those who work hard will be rewarded while those who put in a mediocre effort will be rewarded accordingly in many cases.

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4. 84

   gmwilliamsposted 8 years ago

   
   
   Participation trophies/ribbons are detrimental to children's sense of worth.  As a result of such proliferation of participation trophies & ribbons, children learn that they don't have to put in the time & effort necessary to succeed.  They also believe that them are enough in or of themselves.  They actually may become anti-achievement because they believe that such is totally unnecessary on its face.
   
   The world doesn't work that way.  The world rewards those who put in the time & effort to succeed while it disdains those who refuse to put in the time & effort to achieve their goals.   Let's add that this proliferation of participation trophies & ribbons cause children to be lulled into a false sense of winning.  It even results in becoming entitled.  The premise is I am here & that's enough.   
   
   However, children will be unpleasantly surprised where they enter the real world of competition.  Not everyone gets that trophy.  Those who work smart will win while those who are mediocre or worse will lose.  That's life & children should be exposed to competition early.  There's nothing  with competition for such builds character & strength. 
   
   Back in the days where there was competition, children were better off.  They knew the definition of hard work & that hard work is rewarded.  Competition builds a work ethic in children which lasts throughout their lives.  Competition makes children better people & makes them use their potentials.  In the real world, there is always going to be someone who will be #1!

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5. 81

   peachpurpleposted 8 years ago

   actually getting  trophies help to encourage students to perform better, engage in challenges

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6. 75

   Diana Leeposted 8 years ago

   In the long run it could be harmful. Working with young people fresh out of school I can tell you their work ethics are much different than those heading toward retirement. Employers tend to baby sit them as much as encourage them to learn the job right. As far as self esteem is concerned it much depends on how they are treated as individuals rather than winning bogus rewards. Give credit where credit is do, but don't overlook the ones who are trying their best.

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   1. 84

      gmwilliamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      YESSSSSS.

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