With the Athens Olympics fresh on many parents’ minds as the school year starts, it reminds us of the essence of competition. It’s great! It’s exciting! It’s all over the TV, newspapers and magazines! The gold medalists are feted and fawned over. And the losers?
Parents who have helped a child cope with a disappointing finish in any kind of competition at any level have surely wondered: Is this worth it?
My 10-year-old son stepped gingerly into the world of organized competition last spring at a Saturday morning UIL academic meet. It turned out to be the perfect springboard. First, it was small—only four elementaries competed. As soon as we entered the auditorium at the host school, it was easy to find his classmates’ familiar faces. And with all of the categories and age group breakdowns, a high percentage of kids would earn recognition for their efforts.
Second, it was low-key. This was not a qualifier for the next level of competition. This was it, a one-off meet where the students gave it their best shot, then went home with no further obligations or expectations. Parents chatted casually over coffee or read the morning paper in the cafeteria while their kids worked against the clock in the library.
Third, it had pizza and a magic show! My son and his classmates seemed to put aside whatever stress they felt during the competition almost as soon as they finished their written tests and headed for the huge stack of pizza boxes back in the cafeteria. After everyone had eaten their fill, we all trooped to the auditorium for a cleverly produced magic-of-science show. The kids laughed, oohing and aahing throughout.
For my son and his classmates, the award presentations that followed weren’t nearly as interesting. Sure, the kids who earned ribbons were proud of their performance and the recognition they received. As for the kids who didn’t, I never saw one tear, nor one tantrum. How can you pout after a magic show and pizza party?
I realize that the pressure of UIL competition gets more intense as the kids mature and the stakes increase. But by that time, the kids at my son’s first meet will have built on their initial good experience with the UIL. They will have learned that UIL meets are about challenging yourself to do your best, win or lose. And I’ll be happy to take them out for pizza immediately afterwards. Sometimes that’s better than a gold medal.