For the fun of participation

With the end of the school year and sports season, there are lots of "awards" ceremonies and championship games and banquets and all the other recognition events that are associated with any and every athletic event. Along with that, are the accompanying diatribes and debates on awarding every kid a medal and calling every kid a champion. The battle rages about how to best build a child"s "self esteem".

For the most part, we avoid all that. Out kids don't play team sports - they don't want to and we haven't insisted. However, Becky does a gymnastics class one day a week after school for 45 minutes. Its more of a tumbling class - totally non competitive. They do, however, have a "recite" at the end of the year. 

And every kid gets a medal.

Becky loves her gymnastics classes. 

Even though two years of classes later, she still can't do a walk over or cart wheel on her own. 

You see, she just isn't very good at gymnastics. She doesn't have an inner talent - or the drive to practice every day. And she's generally a bit clumsily. All of which add up to a girl who needs a lot of help - two years of classes later! 

But she loves it. 

Really, really loves it. It makes her happy to go to gymnastics class every week. 

And it made her happy to get a medal just for trying. For participating every week. 

With her friends - none of whom are the next Gabby Douglas, but also really like it and have fun. 

Fun. That's all it's about - just having fun. I think sometimes we are so focused on what are kids can "get out of" doing something, that we overlook the value of just plain having fun. And we don't celebrate just having fun enough! 

So - I am in the camp of "yes - medals for participation" because having fun is worthy of a medal!!! 

And it's even better to get a medal when your very, very special Auntie D just happens to be in town to watch you receive it!!!!