Competition is not a bad thing.  On the contrary, it can be a wonderful motivation for excellence.  However, making everything competitive is not the best idea for children if introduced into their lives at too early an age.

I remember becoming aware of this issue when my children were in 2nd Grade and Kindergarten of elementary school.  There was a talent show/competition at their new school the week after we had arrived in California.  It was something I wanted to be a part of, so I decided to get involved.

The following school year, I joined the PTA and volunteered to run the Talent Show.  Having been in music and theatre projects for years, they welcomed me and were eager to help out.  Working with these parents was a wonderful experience.  They were willing and ready to pitch in wherever and whenever they were needed.  However, they wanted it to be a competition.  I didn’t think it needed to be, but didn’t argue.  I decided that we would just have many categories and many prizes.

It so happened that a pair of sisters in the school were actually professionals.  Knowing that they would undoubtedly win, I felt that we needed for everyone to feel that they were just as much a part of things as they were.  Otherwise, it would just have been another showcase for these two students.

The show was a great success.  Everyone did their best.  At the end of the show, the judges handed out the ribbons.  Each student had a chance to take a bow and get applause from the audience.

The Talent Show Contest’s success was due to the fact that everyone was valued.  Each student received a ribbon of some kind.  Everyone was included in a big finale.   Being a part of the cast was of the utmost importance.  Belonging was the focus and it gave each of the children a chance to have their moment on stage. Competition was not the main reason for the show, and THAT was the most important thing of all.