Got a school poster contest dilemma....help!

Ok, so the school does a "fire prevention" poster contest and wouldn't you know it, TJ and Kimmy both got their posters picked to represent their class for 1st grade. I couldn't be happier, they are really cute artists, BUT I found out today that Kimmy won and will be getting money as a prize.......and TJ got honorable mention. Should I pay him some money too? My kiddos get their feelings hurt soooooo easily and he did a great job too. I have taught them that sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but since this is particularly them against each other, I just don't know what to do.

I'm just wondering if I should NOT do it(give him money too) and let them learn this life lesson that they BOTH can't win everything and they have to lose graciously and congratulate the other one......but I know how that will go already. :unsure: :blink:

Please give me your advice. It may sound silly to some people, but I assure you, this will be a big deal to TJ when he realizes it.

 

I wouldn't give him any money. Even if it is hard, that won't make things easier for him in the future and also I think you take away from her accomplishment if you do.

 

QUOTE(Callen @ Oct 21 2008, 03:00 PM) [snapback]1035122[/snapback]
I wouldn't give him any money. Even if it is hard, that won't make things easier for him in the future and also I think you take away from her accomplishment if you do.


You're right, I know in my heart that's the right thing to do.............I'm just perplexed.

 

If you chose to reward the one with Honorable mention, you have to reward the one that Won also! Other than giving money....why not make a special dessert or something to "Celebrate" cupcakes ??? just a thought!

Oh what fun to look forward to!



If you chose to reward the one with Honorable mention, you have to reward the one that Won also! Other than giving money....why not make a special dessert or something to "Celebrate" cupcakes ??? just a thought!

Oh what fun to look forward to!

 

QUOTE
f you chose to reward the one with Honorable mention, you have to reward the one that Won also! Other than giving money....why not make a special dessert or something to "Celebrate" cupcakes ??? just a thought!


I like that idea. Let Kimmy keep the money from the school, which she earned and deserved, but then celebrate both their accomplishments in another way. Dessert, a trip to the movie theater, whatever.

I won a poster contest in 4th grade, and I wasn't expected to share my silver dollars (I still have them!) with my brothers. Kimmy shouldn't be expected to either.

 

I agree. He needs to learn that you aren't always the winner. Plus it would also make Kimmys win look not so special. Anyway, I agree in trying to make both feel special by making something special or whatever for both of their great jobs!

 

Thanks so much for all your ideas, I knew you guys would help me out!! I plan on congratulating her and making a big deal out of it I didn't want her to share the money because she won it fair and square, I just wanted to acknowledge him too, but I think if I just let them both have a special treat for BOTH doing so well, that will make me feel better. I am rambling, but I think you know what I mean.

 

Congratulations on your talented kids!
Rosalie won a first place ribbon and $5 in the county fair for a watercolor tree she painted. Ella's was entered but didn't place. What made me feel the worst was we didn't even go to the fair, so we didn't see them on display . Ella has complained a few times and has made generally disgruntled comments. We just told her of course hers was beautiful and maybe one day she'll get a ribbon, too -- and aren't you proud of your sister? Don't know if the message sunk in, but at least the complaining has stopped.

 

QUOTE(Callen @ Oct 21 2008, 07:00 AM) [snapback]1035122[/snapback]
I wouldn't give him any money. Even if it is hard, that won't make things easier for him in the future and also I think you take away from her accomplishment if you do.

exactly.

I do think it is an importnat lesson to learn. feeling do get hurt adn I don't feel it is our place to prevent that but be there to love and support them when it does happen. That's life.

I think taking them both out for a special celebratory dinner would be lots of fun for the whole family to show them how proud you are of BOTH of them!

 

Well, I didn't give him any money (she hasn't received her monetary prize from the school yet), and he WAS whiney when he found out, but then I explained to him that out of ALL the 1st grade there were only 5 kids that got their pictures hung up and his was one of them, he was better. I'm glad I didn't do anything the same for him now because like ya'll said, it would have taken away from her accomplishment. Thanks TS friends!!