On a chilly November morning years ago, I found myself lacing up my worn sneakers, excitement bubbling within me as I prepared for my school’s annual Turkey Trot Run. As a fifth-grader, this was my moment to shine, and I vividly recall the boy beside me sneering, “I’m going to beat you.” Despite the nerves dancing in my stomach, I rounded the final corner, a surge of adrenaline propelling me forward. Not only had I won the girls’ division, but I crossed the finish line first overall. The cheers of my friends echoed in my ears as I claimed my prize: a frozen turkey and a spot in the local newspaper. Even three decades later, that memory brings a smile to my face.
Fast forward to today, and as I navigate the chaos of raising my own children, I often reflect on that pivotal day during the annual awards season at school. Nowadays, it seems parents are more fixated on their child’s accolades than ever before, and I’ve witnessed an unsettling trend of bitterness when a child is overlooked for an award. Back when I won my race, there were no complaints from other kids, no whispers from parents lamenting their child’s missed opportunity. We simply raced, some celebrated, and we moved on.
So when did it become commonplace to shame kids for their achievements?
Recently, our middle school hosted an academic awards ceremony. Invitations were sent out to honor students for their academic excellence and admirable character traits. The moment those invites hit the mail, the reactions from parents whose children were not invited quickly turned sour. Social media erupted with complaints about unfairness, exclusion, and a sense of injustice over their children not being recognized. It was disheartening to witness such negativity directed at what should have been a celebration of students’ hard work.
Seriously? Complaining about our kids missing out on academic awards has become a trend?
It’s troubling that we’re raising a generation of parents who demand fairness at all costs, adhering to the “everyone gets a trophy” mindset. We see parents arguing with teachers over grades, disputing referee calls, and insisting their child deserves more playing time. This overprotective approach is setting our kids up for a harsh reality where they struggle to cope with rejection and the lessons that come from not winning. When did this become acceptable?
While I understand that some children may not excel in every area, can we at least agree that there will always be someone who stands out? There will always be a valedictorian, an MVP, and a prom queen. In a perfect world, every child would embody all of these roles, but that’s simply not realistic. There will always be kids who shine, whether in sports or academics. When did it become acceptable to undermine their achievements to make others feel better?
In the weeks leading up to the awards ceremony, the grumbling continued. Discussions about abolishing the ceremony altogether were rampant. It pained me to see other parents disparaging the accomplishments of children, especially since my son was among those honored. I felt immense pride in his achievements, yet the negativity surrounding the event overshadowed my joy. Despite the complaints swirling online, we quietly attended the ceremony. I shared photos of my son receiving his award, but my happiness was dampened by the bitterness echoing through my social media feed from parents unable to accept that every child deserves their moment to shine.
My son may never be the sports MVP, and I would never dream of begrudging another parent whose child excels in athletics. Every child has their unique talents, and it’s essential to celebrate those successes. Sometimes, it feels good to acknowledge accomplishments, whether they come in the form of an award or simply a moment of recognition. And while I wouldn’t complain to another sports parent, I might casually mention that my son comes from a long line of Turkey Trot winners.
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In summary, let’s celebrate our children’s achievements without diminishing others. Each child deserves recognition for their hard work and talents, whether they’re winning races or excelling in academics.
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