Bashing participation trophies has become a time-honored tradition. It allegedly leads to entitlement and hides our kids and future generations from the harsh realities of the real world.
Full disclosure: I am a parent of three children and a long-time coach with 15 years of experience in various sports while raising my kids. The idea of participation trophies was unfathomable to me… until now.
At MindsetGo, we proudly present participation trophies that carry a unique and prestigious significance. These trophies are given to kids who aspire to be heard–those who have the courage to speak up or are working toward building their confidence and self-esteem to eventually do so.
Kids have so much to offer and contribute. Educators, parents, and coaches should focus on fostering a safe and comfortable environment where kids can respectfully express themselves without fear of reprisal.
Think about your experiences in school at any level. Was there ever a time when you thought about raising your hand and opted not to? What about when you were sitting among your peers at work and being judged? What factors led to your decision to keep to yourself?
Students who don’t participate in the classroom may have multiple reasons for doing so. These can include fear of embarrassment, self-doubt, or concern about criticism. Some students may be shy, while others might simply be actively listening. However, the consequences of not participating can adversely impact and limit opportunities for social interactions and fulfilling relationships in college and beyond.
Regardless of the reason, a child’s inability to participate or speak up in classroom discussions, projects, or group activities can lead to unfair assumptions about a child’s confidence, personality, or social skills. An unwillingness to participate can also affect their performance in school if teachers factor in class participation or if kids aren’t considered for leadership opportunities on teams, clubs, or jobs.
When I train professionals or kids who lack the confidence to speak up and express their ideas and thoughts, I encourage them when they are experiencing self-doubt to simply ask themselves: “What is the best thing that can happen by asking, the worst thing by not asking, and does the best outweigh the worst?”
This decision-making strategy builds self-esteem through a growth mindset and is an example of a tool that empowers kids to communicate with confidence.
Participation trophies in sports may shield kids from harsh life realities like failure and disappointment, but participation trophies for expressing yourself and having a growth mindset should be encouraged and celebrated.
The challenge is not to avoid those realities but to overcome them.
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Parents typically reinforce self-esteem through grades, academic performance, or extracurricular achievements. However, these measures only allow students to temporarily and superficially stand out from their peers.
Interpersonal skills also play a significant role in high school extracurricular activities. Students are more inclined to participate, succeed, and stay involved in various clubs or activities if they have the confidence and skills to connect with their peers.