Backtracking a bit.
Emmy "graduated" from preschool.
Now while it was all really adorable and everything, I kept hearing Craig Nelson's character saying, "They keep inventing new ways to celebrate mediocrity!"
I don't think you mediocre, Em. You're really special and stuff.
But they had real gowns for them all to wear, they called their names one by one, and there were musical numbers. Did I mention she's moving from one unnecessary school level to another (as far as I know Kinder is still not required, right?).
As I move onto the bigger picture here, I can't help but think of the kids' soccer team last season in which they all received trophies for.... winning? nope. trying hard? nope. showing up to the games/practices? nope.
paying the fee up front? yup.
What are we teaching these children?
That it's not necessary to try your hardest.
That winning isn't important (I know, "as long as you have fun..." blah blah)
That things like sportsmanship, grades, and effort don't really matter.
That you don't even have to cross the finish line to get something.
That as long as ma & pa pay the way, we can get the shiny gold thing at the end.
Not to shy away from Emmy's BIG moment. It was ... ahem ... neat. But I don't think every kid deserves that medal/trophy/diploma.
Give it to me. I can take it.
6 comments:
right on sista! But Emmy sure looked cute.
Yes, you're being mean. And lame. Give Emmy her trophy back....
I realize that we adults feel badly about ti because we only got trophies for kicking the other kids' butts, but we live in a softer world with butterflies and unicorns and sparkles.
Emmy, Uncle B loves you and you should have gotten two trophies...
actually I completely agree with you! I think you gotta earn it or it just doesn't hold that 'specialness'.
Madeline just graduated pre K and I had a big issue with forking over $20 for a cap and gown. ...I ended up just dressing her up nice and pretty. and believe it or not she was totally fine with it till we just looked at your blog and she saw Em in her cap and gown... now she wants one. go figure! ;) lol
Didn't you hear? Mediocrity is the new pink. Wear it proudly Emmy!
I am with you on this one Ms. McMonk. Pre-school graduation? Really? Is that necessary?
I don't want my children to be "hyper-competitive" (a la Nancy Kerrigan attack or psycho cheerleader killer mom). However, I think there is something to be gained in winning and losing.
This sugar-coated, germ-free, no discipline environment we live in today is not really prepping our children to succeed in the DOG-EAT-DOG world.
Isn't a "Good Job Emmy Card" and a flower on her plate at dinner enough?
oh... please... don't get me started... Coach Todd
BTW, I have two extra trophies that are ACTUALLY for beating teams!! beating 'em the old fashion way... 'til they cried "uncle" (aka "Mercy Rule" or "Run Rule"). They're BIG, they have spinning balls and everything, if any one wants one...
and what about... ahh, see, ya almost got me started...
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