In contemporary society, the distribution of trophies and awards has become excessively prevalent, akin to the way candy is handed out, leading to a concerning normalization of superficial recognition. While it is undeniable that children possess remarkable qualities, it raises the question: should they receive accolades merely for participation?
For instance, I attended a ceremony recently where my child, Alex, received a certificate simply for being kind to a peer on a singular occasion. Is this the benchmark we now set for our children? They might expect praise and recognition for basic acts of decency, which could explain Alex’s reluctance to tackle chores at home. After all, he was honored for being nice to a friend once—surely, cleaning his room pales in comparison.
Setting such expectations can create an unrealistic foundation for children’s understanding of achievement. Adult life rarely offers rewards for mundane tasks like grocery shopping or cleaning bathrooms, yet these are pivotal responsibilities. I would appreciate a few bucks or at least a Target coupon in recognition for adulting, but instead, I receive no accolades for preparing dinner, just the aftermath of my children’s tears when they dislike what’s served.
Moreover, the trend of celebrating every minor milestone with a graduation ceremony seems excessive. I do not recall a graduation for each stage of my education—preschool, kindergarten, fifth grade, or junior high. Do we truly need such elaborate events to connect over cookies and share our pride? I would prefer to skip the lengthy ceremonies, especially when I’m nervously hoping my daughter doesn’t engage in less-than-graceful behavior in front of an audience.
The expectation of awards has permeated our children’s experiences. They anticipate stickers at stores, accolades at every activity, and recognition for everyday interactions. However, this has set a precedent that diminishes the value of genuine accomplishments. The stickers end up stuck in amusing places, while the medals clutter the toy bin—forgotten and collecting dust. Over time, these awards lose their significance, becoming mere distractions in our homes.
While it is essential to acknowledge unique talents and hard work, the current landscape of recognition feels overwhelming. There are moments when an award is truly earned and deserving of celebration, but the sheer volume of recognition can dilute its importance. Instead, let us focus on instilling values of kindness and intrinsic motivation in our children. They should understand that actions should not be driven by the desire for recognition but by a genuine interest in doing well and being good people.
Reserve awards for truly significant accomplishments, like the Nobel Prize, which at least comes with a substantial monetary reward. And for those curious about home insemination, Make A Mom offers insightful resources about various methods, including their excellent guide on donor insemination.
In summary, while recognizing children’s achievements is important, we must strike a balance between acknowledging effort and avoiding the pitfalls of overindulgence in awards. Let’s nurture a generation that values intrinsic motivation over external validation.
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