Reduced standards, easy wins and over-protecting kids from life’s realities may be contributing to a fragile, less resilient generation.
Effort Doesn’t Seem to Matter
If all are given the same reward, this could give the impression that effort doesn’t matter. Kids will feel, “Why would I need to try so hard if I’m just going to win a trophy anyway?” This makes kids less than 100% in school, sports, and/or extracurricular activities. This – in time – might reduce their commitment to working hard for it.
Unprepared for the Real World
Life doesn’t give participation prizes. Real-life rewards those who work hard for something. If the kids are raised to believe that they will be given rewards regardless, they will have difficulty accepting that the real world does not work like that. (They might feel frustrated or give up more easily.)
Kids Don’t Learn How to Fail
The kids who get a trophy for showing up never learn how to fail. The lessons learned by failure are useful – such as how to work harder and better. And if children are rewarded no matter what, they will develop a fear of failing because they have never experienced it. This phobia keeps them from challenging themselves, whether in adulthood or otherwise.
Confidence Built on the Wrong Things
The kids can feel a sense of satisfaction because they got a trophy, but they also feel like they never deserved it. When real obstacles arise, later, their self-esteem may crumble as it isn’t based on actual achievement.
Expecting Rewards for Everything
When children are consistently rewarded, they will always expect praise and reward for doing nothing. They can be disappointed when they don’t get their way with this sense of entitlement. And children must understand that you get rewarded for working hard and winning, not merely taking part.
Losing the Benefits of Competition
Healthy competition teaches children to strive, compete at the top, and be graceful in losing. If trophies are awarded to all, kids might be less likely to compete or perform better. This could mean that they are missing out on the life lessons competition can teach them.
Struggling with Criticism
If kids are constantly being told they’re doing well, then they might not understand how to respond to criticism. They might struggle whenever they get criticized at school, at work, or in relationships because they are unable to accept criticism and make use of it constructively.
