I told my six year old that if she was the best dancer in her Polish Dance troop, would it make her feel good to have everyone rewarded? Wouldn't it be better that she was the only one given an award?
Last year, my girls were the only ones who showed up at every extra-curricular activity of this troop. It is not easy to drive into the inner city of Detroit for a few of these events. Yet, both girls had strep so missed two of the regular classes.
All the children got attendance metals but mine. My older daughter was very sad but I told her that this year, we will not miss a day. It made her strive to be better.
and I bet your girls will strive to do better next year.
Isn't that what we want our kids to do - strive to do better. That is what has made our country great, too. I worry that my kids will be "too soft", we try to encourage competition.