On a crisp November morning, I found myself kneeling in front of my worn sneakers and jeans that were just a tad too short. I could taste the metal of my braces as I nervously eyed my competition to the left. It was the day of my school’s annual Turkey Trot Run, and as a fifth-grader, I was finally in the race. I still remember the kid who’d sat beside me in class, defiantly declaring, “I’m going to beat you.”
As we awaited the starting signal, butterflies danced in my stomach. But when I rounded that final bend, I realized I wasn’t just going to win the girls’ division—I was crossing the finish line first! With my friends cheering me on, I felt a rush of pride like never before. Not only did I win a frozen turkey, but I also made it into the local newspaper. Even three decades later, that memory brings a smile to my face.
Now that I’m a parent, I often reflect on that day during award season. It seems like parents today are so fixated on their kids snagging awards that I’ve witnessed some seriously sour behavior when a child isn’t recognized. Back when I won, none of my peers complained or grumbled about not winning a turkey. Other parents didn’t whisper behind my back, claiming their kid deserved to win instead. We raced, some won, and we all moved on.
So, when did we decide that kids receiving awards for academic achievements should be shamed?
Recently, my child’s middle school held a prestigious academic awards ceremony. Invitations were sent out to honor students for their achievements and exemplary character traits. But as soon as those invites hit mailboxes, the complaints from parents whose kids didn’t get invited flooded social media. Whining about unfairness, exclusion, and perceived slights quickly became the norm. The negativity stunned me.
Are we really complaining because our kids didn’t win an academic award?
It’s disheartening to see a generation of parents who cling to the “everyone gets a trophy” mentality. Parents argue with teachers over grades, challenge referees on calls, and demand more playing time for their child. We’re hovering over our kids to the point where they might struggle with rejection and the occasional sting of losing. Is this really okay?
Sure, some kids may not shine in sports or achieve top grades, but can we agree that there will always be a child who excels at something? There will always be MVPs, prom queens, and valedictorians. While it would be lovely if our kid could be all three, that’s just not realistic. There will always be a kid who steals the spotlight in the school play with a Broadway-worthy voice or a boy on track to the Olympics. Why should we diminish their talents to make others feel better?
In the weeks leading up to the awards ceremony, the grumbling didn’t stop. Talks of abolishing the ceremony altogether dominated community conversations. It was disheartening to witness other parents belittling kids’ achievements, especially since my son was among those invited to receive an award. I felt proud of his accomplishments, yet the negative chatter on social media dampened my joy.
On the night of the ceremony, we attended quietly. Although I posted photos celebrating my son’s achievement, the joy was overshadowed by the relentless complaints from other parents who just couldn’t accept that every child deserves their moment of glory.
My child may never be the sports MVP, and I’d never dream of feeling upset if he’s not recognized at a sports banquet. I wouldn’t dare tell another parent that my son deserves recognition for touchdowns he didn’t make. Every child has their unique gifts, and sometimes it feels wonderful to be celebrated for accomplishments. And while I won’t complain to other sports parents, I might just remind them that my family has a proud legacy of Turkey Trot winners!
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Summary:
This piece reflects on the changing attitudes of parents regarding children’s achievements, particularly in the context of academic awards. It highlights the negativity surrounding a child’s recognition and emphasizes the importance of celebrating successes without diminishing others. The author shares personal experiences and calls for a more positive and supportive approach to children’s accomplishments.