Day 321 - And the award goes to...

"We explained that they couldn't give everyone an award every time."

My kids play soccer, go to school and take music lessons. They also like to draw and build amazing things with Lego's. I personally would put every drawing they have ever produced in a museum of refrigerators. 

As much as I love my children and think that they are amazing I am glad that they have had to go through painful situations. It seems contradictory but it is the best thing for them. Just like it was the best thing for me. 

I remember there was a time when I was getting prideful and ended up losing big time. As I was belly-aching to my dad he gave me some sobering news. He told me that there would always be someone who is bigger, faster and better at something than me. He also told me that is okay. I needed that reality check to work harder and to move forward from failure.

In the same vein that failure is good success is good too. I don't think my kids need an award every time awards are handed out just to feel good about themselves but if they excel and get an award it validates their efforts. When their rewards come from hard work and careful study it will be a positive reinforcement that they enjoy. 

Our motivations are important. When we get something for nothing it produces an entitlement mentality. But when we get something for our labors it produces internal motivation that propels us to work hard. Pain and hard work produce character and strength. 

I know for my kids the struggle will make them better. They will rise to every challenge and when they get an award it will be well deserved. 

How have the struggles you have been though helped you? How can we navigate the feeling our children go through when they don't get an award?