Participation Trophies

Participation Trophies. The idea is met with a a variety of opinions. While many argue they keep kids from feeling defeated or left out many claim giving the team that wins the same prize as the team that did the worst doesn't make sense. Why should a child who just shows up get the same acknowledgement as the child who works hard each day and does his best and excels? Does this make kids entitled? Does it teach them that you don't have to do your best... you just have to do enough? Or does it build self esteem? Here's what our longtime Sponsor and Contributor, Stephanie Moir of Serene Mind Psychology.

Her take?

""Participation trophies can't be just handed out to kids without them realizing, you know, 'What have I done for this?'" said Stephanie Moir, who is an athlete and licensed mental health counselor. "It is up to the parents or coaches on award day, or whatever it may be, to actually tell the kids, you know, you've earned this by coming to practice on time every time, by being a good sportsman or sportswoman on and off the field."

What do you think?

In other words, there must be some measurable achievement to merit a trophy or award, and apply some common sense. A 6-foot-tall trophy that needed scaffolding to build wouldn't be appropriate for kids on a team who finished last but showed up for every practice."

With this I can agree because in life there are winners and losers... But being a good sport and doing your best is the most important thing. Why can't everyone get acknowledged? And to that end why not give those who went the extra mile something a little more? But a blanket trophy or award without justification doesn't only not make sense... it simply doesn't mean as much.

Thanks Stephanie for sharing this great piece and thanks to Mark Wilson, FOX 13 News too.