We were at a horse show recently and my daughter was riding in it. Anyways, she did alright, I was super proud of her, and she was nervous. Well the show ended and the ribbons were given out. You would have thought that she had won first place. When she brought her honorable mention ribbon over she was so happy.
Anyways she did not place, but to a 6 year old a ribbon means "you're the best" I was so happy that the show did that. Think of all the happy children.

Haha, I have gotten participation ribbons that were nicer than the first place ones when I rode with 4-H. :) I have two that are seriously a foot long for riding in a regional costume class and have rosettes and different colors. I think it doesn't matter if its a ribbon or a participation certificate, its nice to have some proof of your effort.They aren't less pretty if they aren't actually first place.

I know what you mean. At that age they're so happy just to be recognised that they don't care what for. My daughter, who is also 6, just had a bowling tournament and took third. She insists it's a gold medal. To her it is.

I am sure the next time around she will get even closer if not win all together. That is great for being so young. I'm not sure I could have done it.

I remember winning when I was little. I thought I was on top of the world. Now when I look back on it I think I did not even place, but at the time I was the best.

It just goes to show that it does not take much to motivate or even to appreciate children, because even the slightest or humblest form of appreciation makes them feel on top of the world.