I often think about what kind of a parent I would be to my kids. Would I be stern and set high standards for them, or would I praise their every achievement, big or small?
There is no correct answer, and certainly no one right way to be a good parent. All parents have their own way of giving encouragement to their kids. They also have ways of communicating to the kids that, at times, more work and effort should be put into what they're doing.
One dad had something very particular to say about his children. His two sons had received awards for participating on a sports team. They were not rewards for winning, so this dad did something that many find surprising…
Read on to find the message Harrison had for his kids, and for all the parents out there.
What did you think of the decision this dad made? Let us know in the comments!
James Harrison is a linebacker for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers. Very recently, he wrote a message on his social media that received many comments, some praising his actions and others critiquing them.
When his sons James Harrison III and Henry were given trophies for participation in athletics, he did not praise them, nor did he let them keep the trophies. He writes:
"I came home to find out that my boys received two trophies for nothing, participation trophies!
While I am very proud of my boys for everything they do and will encourage them till the day I die, these trophies will be given back until they EARN a real trophy.
I’m sorry I’m not sorry for believing that everything in life should be earned and I’m not about to raise two boys to be men by making them believe that they are entitled to something just because they tried their best…cause sometimes your best is not enough, and that should drive you to want to do better…not cry and whine until somebody gives you something to shut u up and keep you happy. #harrisonfamilyvalues”
Many praised Harrison for his decision. Instagram user devildog11 wrote, "I agree with you 100% and some day your boys will thank you for the men they have become!"
Yet another user wrote encouragingly, "Though it is important to keep kids involved in any athletic pursuit versus sitting on their butts, however, rewarding mediocrity or simple participation will do more harm than good in the long run."
Naturally, the NFL player received backlash as well. Some insisted that the participation trophies were a show of the kids' earnest effort, and others praised the athletics group for keeping kids motivated. Whether or not you agreed with Harrison's parenting decision, it's up to individual parents to evaluate what is beneficial for their children.
Undoubtedly, other parents have, at one time or another, done exactly what Harrison has decided to do. Again, there is no right or wrong step to take with your kids in scenarios like these. The most interesting aspect might be observing how other parents would react in these situations, and then assessing whether you'd want to apply their methods.
What did you think of this NFL dad's parenting decision? Let us know in the comments, and please SHARE!
