Ask Amy
 

Dear Amy: I have a comment about the practice of giving trophies to children at the end of soccer season.

I was the "Team Dad" for my son's team for four years and always found the idea of giving trophies ridiculous and empty.

There are so many other things to do for these kids.

One year, we gave a soccer-theme necklace. Another year, after not winning a single game for three seasons, we gave each of the boys and olive branch wreath (like in the Athens Olympics) to let the kids know that they were champions in our eyes just based on their determination and persistence.

To the parents who can only think of trophies, I say come on, use your imagination!

-- Soccer Dad

Dear Dad: I've received a lot of mail on both sides of this question. Some people feel that each and every trophy is very meaningful. Others, like you, think that the sheer volume of trophies some kids receive and don't "earn" devalues the hardware.