We are raising a generation of pansies. I am not immune to the fact that I too, may be raising my sons as pansies, as I follow the trending parenting ideas. One thing I've never followed......"Participation" awards. UGH!

One of the best lessons in life is learning how to lose. Learning how to lose preps you for EVERYTHING in life. It makes winning sweeter. It prepares you for when you don't get a job, when you don't get the date from that one girl, when you can't afford a new car and have to take the bus. Suck it up buttercup, losing is part of life and we need to teach our children that.

I teach my kids how to lose. They HATE it, but it is a part of life. I won't let them quit what they are doing because they're not winning. I make them stick it out until the end. I don't let them quit sports because they don't start or the team sucks. Stick it out dude. You signed up and you'll finish, even though you'll be in last place. No, Wait! There is no last place. Everyone finishes the season tied.

I would like to propose to the parents of the Cedar Valley, that we no longer allow participation awards. We no longer allow EVERY kid to get a turn at the plate during tee-ball or little league. We no longer hand out trophies for the "Fifth Place Champion". The lesson learned will be far more valuable than that damn 1st place trophy.

The team in 1st place learned something too. If you work hard enough, you can succeed beyond your imagination.

Teach your kids to lose, and they'll be better adults later.

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