Winners vs tryers?

[WhiteIris]

I know someone who adamantly objects to “participation” ribbons or prizes. When the kids came home with such mementos, they would be told that’s nice but you need to try harder next time so you can get the real thing, it only counts if you win. The parent’s reasoning was that if the kid was “rewarded” for not winning, he/she would fail to thrive, compete and win in the real world as an adult.

I know with younger children the general rule of thumb is to structure games as “no winner.” What do you think about this? Encourage participation no matter what the outcome, or discourage such practices in favor of fostering a more competitive ladder-climbing attitude? And, at what age to stop participation and start competition?

[Meltopia529]

 Encourage participation

[hunterskysmom]

This

Quoting Meltopia529:

 Encourage participation

[sweetlyblissful]

Of course every parent wants their kid to be number one. But participation and having fun come first.

[SabrinaLC]

encouraging fun and participation is more important than winning.

[WhiteIris]

Thank you!

[amonkeymom]

I agree.

Quoting sweetlyblissful:

Of course every parent wants their kid to be number one. But participation and having fun come first.

[LuvingRN]

Exactly!

Quoting sweetlyblissful:

Of course every parent wants their kid to be number one. But participation and having fun come first.