As Dr. Seuss once said, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”(“Stutman”). Losing is tough for a child at a young age, especially when the losses are simultaneous piling up. A trophy would then be a reminder they worked hard throughout the season with their teammates. “Being there for your teammates and those in your life, when it suits you or when Saturday morning cartoons look like a lot more fun, is a lifelong lesson that cannot be taught to young” (“Heffernan”). 57% of American children claim that they deserve a trophy after they participate in a team sport, after all, it is the children that are playing (Hill). Trophies are something they can show other people; therefore, it creates awareness of a skill or attribute, an activity that they have accomplished. By giving children trophies, they often get the message that they are accountable and feel proud of their efforts.
Moreover, trophies should be handed because it encourages them to set goals and keep commitments. When children are awarded for their actions, even though they lost, they commonly gain an interest in carrying out their goals. When they are awarded, their self-esteem and confidence are improved. Often that provide more of a drive to strive to become better (Stankovich). Participation is key, and winning is always pleasing, but the moments in between such as confidence, character, self-discovery, and relationship building are worth remembering and rewarding