Some would say no. This little plastic trophy cannot get kids to think or feel a certain way,but I disagree. We always hear about how young children are so impressionable, but actions like this could be teaching an unexpected lesson. Part of life is learning that you can’t always win, get an acceptance letter from a college, or get the job you really wanted.

However, I’m not saying that not keeping score of a peewee hockey game is bad, but giving kids an award for trying sends a message that as long as they try, they win is damaging to their future. As a teenager, trying to take a drivers test doesn’t mean you get a license. There is a way to teach them the spirit of competition, without also teaching that they will always win.

Also, congratulating everything causes a blur for true victories. For the kid that got the blue ribbon at the science fair is on the same field as everyone else. It seems unfair for those that work hard to be on the same level as kids who show up. I may sound irrational, but with impressionable kids can we ever be too careful?

Losing isn’t fun, especially when you’ve worked so hard for something, but dealing with this as a teenager is much more harsh than when you’re a child. Having your first experience not getting what you want is hard at any age, but kids are smarter than what we give credit. So why don’t we change our frame of mind and allow children to learn what’s to come for the rest of their life, before it’s too late.