In recent years, generations of kids have been more obligated and less challenged to meet his or her desires. Tangible participation awards are not necessary to get at the end of every sports season or activity for kids. This changing mindset of parents and kids of new and current generations is imposing a new risk for society. Participation awards can negatively affect children’s interests, mindset, and work ethic. One of the main goals for children is to find what best suits them in life ranging from sports to academics. An article states, "If every soccer player receives a trophy for merely showing up to practice and playing games, the truly exceptional players are slighted" (Berdan). I feel if I was a parent and my child was the best, they should be recognized appropriately, and if he or she was not the best they could decide whether to continue to pursue it. "We are all winners" (Berdan). This can lead children to focus on extracurricular activities that do not interest them because they think they are good at it. The big picture of sports for children is not to win, but to find what interests them and what they excel in. …show more content…
This is not due to genetics but to the mindsets of current and new generations. The article says, “These are the foundations of a long path to potential success, a success that is not guaranteed no matter how much effort I put in” (Berdan). Knowing how to lose is just as important as knowing how to win, but the mindset you need to lose is much more challenging to overcome. Berdan also believes we should change how we reward kids; furthermore, we should give praise through words and not awards for just finishing. I like this idea because it will make children have more pride when they do get those first, second, and third place trophies. If these trends increase, we could see a change in the new generations to come and maybe it will be for the