I hear people lament the fact that today’s kids are so easily triggered by anything they hear or see that makes them “uncomfortable”. We have all seen examples of kids that become hysterical and pitch a fit right on the floor of a department store because Mom or Dad would not give in to their desire for a particular “shiny object” be it a toy, a brand of shoes, or whatever.

The problem appears to be simple. Today’s kid have not been prepared in any tangible way to lose – at anything. A couple decades ago, someone without much wisdom pushed the idea that kids are demoralized by losing, and this Participation Trophies were born. You just had to show up to get one. How great. Now my kid can stand on the stage right along with the winners and nobody will be able to tell that he sat on the bench for 9 of the 10 games they played? What an ego trip for parents. No embarrassments.

But what’s wrong with that? A lot! Prager University lays it all out. Someone who knows a lot about competition, sports, life, and the success that comes from – yes, losing spells it out in no uncertain terms.

Listen and learn, and watch with your kids, because there’s more damage than good coming from the idea that “Winning isn’t important”.

About the Author

Tom Stark’s career began with Air Force service, including a year in Thailand and Vietnam, and progressed through a variety of manufacturing and service positions to Manager of Security, Safety, and Transportation for the Orange County (FL) Convention Center. He graduated from Barry University in 1994 and soon after embarked on a second career building custom furniture as an entrepreneur for the last 20 years. He unsuccessfully ran as a Tea Party candidate in the 2010 Congressional race (WV-01). Tom currently writes and advocates for smaller more prudent and less intrusive government, strengthening families and protecting life while building free market principles that make America stronger. He is now 70, retired, and residing with his wife in Weston, West Virginia.