In Episode 23: "A Closet Full of Participation Trophies," I delve into the topic of participation trophies and the generational debate surrounding them, with a focus on our hardcore Gen X experiences. We are the forgotten generation, the latchkey kids. We drank out of water hoses. We ate dirt. We were largely unsupervised. We lived through recessions, the AIDS epidemic, The Cold War. The Boomers and Millenials point fingers at each other, and we are, yet again, overlooked.

As GEN X gets older, we have hung on to the notion that our incredible work ethic was the result of NOT receiving participation trophies as kids. Apparently, kids that are given participation trophies become lazy, entitled, soft and weak. Here's the thing, GEN X. We did get them. Check your parents' closets. Check your childhood bedrooms. And though we want to compare ourselves to younger generations and consider ourselves superior due to not being coddled, the truth is that younger generations are doing just fine with softer encouragement.

Participation trophies have been handed out for over 100 years, and can improve young children's self-esteem, teamwork, and overall personal development. While there is an age that they become less effective, any token to encourage kids to play sports or engage in extracurriculars will benefit their overall growth.

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