On a certain level, I can understand why some people don't like giving kids participation medals and trophies. In their mind, you're saying that even though you might have finished ahead of other kids, you don't get any more recognition than the child that finished last. But I look at it a different way. Up to a certain age, I don't want my kids in the cut throat world of competitive sports. I want them to simply try their best. I want them to learn sportsmanship. And in the end I'd like them to feel rewarded for their efforts. If a medal or trophy helps in that, so be it. Soon enough that world will be replaced by the win or go home mentality. That's why I disagree with what former NFL linebacker James Harrison did to his kids this weekend.

 

His kids are only 6 and 8 years old! Let them have their trophies! I would never take away my kids trophies. Even though in his mind they didn't 'earn' them, his kids tried their best and had fun. As a parent, that should be enough. I understand that he played in the NFL, and maybe he sees his sons doing the same someday. But punishing them for playing and having fun isn't accomplishing anything. What do YOU think of participation trophies?

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