Every child is born with a distinct set of talents and abilities that, when identified and nurtured, can flourish into remarkable accomplishments. Recognising and celebrating these achievements not only instils a sense of pride but also lays the foundation for their future growth. One impactful way to acknowledge children’s successes is by entering them into awards. This practice not only rewards their hard work but also offers a myriad of benefits that contribute to their overall development.

Every Child is Unique: Recognizing and Nurturing Talents

Children are like seeds, each possessing unique potential waiting to be unearthed. By entering them into awards, parents, educators, and mentors provide a platform for these talents to be recognized and nurtured. The early years of a child’s life are crucial for skill development, and acknowledging their achievements during this period can have a lasting impact on their self-perception and aspirations.

Confidence Boost through Impactful Award Categories

Award categories tailored to specific talents and skills can work wonders for a child’s confidence. Whether it’s academics, sports, arts, or leadership, each category recognises a distinct aspect of a child’s potential. When a child’s achievements are celebrated in a category that aligns with their interests, it sends a powerful message that their efforts are not only valued but also understood. This recognition becomes a catalyst for a surge in their confidence levels, motivating them to explore their abilities further.

Participation: The True Victory

While winning an award is undoubtedly exhilarating, the process of participation itself holds immense value. By entering awards, children learn the art of perseverance, discipline, and setting goals. The journey of preparing for an award requires consistent effort, which teaches them the importance of dedication and hard work. Emphasizing the significance of participation over winning helps children understand that success is not solely defined by the outcome but by the effort they put in.

International Platform for Recognition

Participating in awards often exposes children to an international audience. Many awards offer the opportunity to compete on a global level, interacting with peers from around the world. This exposure introduces them to diverse perspectives, fostering a sense of global citizenship and broadening their horizons. Such interactions contribute to their personal growth and help them develop valuable social skills that will serve them well in the future.

Value Addition to Profiles: A Stepping Stone for the Future

In today’s competitive world, a strong profile can open doors to numerous opportunities. Celebrating a child’s success through awards not only boosts their self-esteem but also adds a significant credential to their profile. This becomes especially relevant as they progress through their educational and professional journey. Scholarships, college admissions, and job applications often place a high value on achievements and awards, making their participation a strategic investment in their future.

Important Factors to Consider Before Participation

Before entering a child into awards, there are a few crucial factors that parents, educators, and mentors should keep in mind:

Genuine Interest: It’s important to recognize and nurture a child’s natural interests and talents. Choosing awards that align with their passions ensures that the experience is enjoyable and rewarding.

Age-Appropriate Categories: Opt for award categories that are age-appropriate and reflect the child’s developmental stage. This ensures that the competition is fair and the child is not overwhelmed.

Balanced Approach: While encouragement is essential, it’s equally important not to overwhelm the child with excessive pressure to perform. The focus should be on their growth and enjoyment rather than solely on winning.

Supportive Environment: A positive and supportive environment is crucial. Children should feel free to explore without fear of failure, allowing them to develop a healthy relationship with competition.

Time Management: Participation in awards should not disrupt the child’s routine or education. It’s important to strike a balance between their commitments and their passion.

One sure-fire way to encourage young people in aspiring to heights beyond their comfort zones is to involve them in awards ceremonies which celebrate their outstanding contributions and remarkable talents. Here are some awards for you to consider entering:

• The National Children and Young People awards, which will be held in Birmingham this October, celebrate excellence in care for children, young people and families, showcase innovation and best practice in this area and pay tribute to those individuals or organisations who excel in quality care provision.

• The WellChild awards, in association with GSK, celebrate the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.

• The National Association for Able Children in Educationawards create recognition of school-wide, high-quality provision for more able learners within a context of challenge for all.

The BYITC Inspire awards were held at the Scottish Parliament earlier in the summer (June 8) and celebrated the talents of young people aged five to 17 who excel in the subjects and interests they love.

As an academic and educator, I established the awards after using an abacus to teach my son basic arithmetic, and then subsequently continued with a view to helping young people improve their abilities in STEM subjects. 

In total, 37 accolades were given out at the awards, in categories including Global Warming Champion, Best Innovator, Best Orator, Chess Maestro, Adventure Champion, Dance Superstar and Singing Sensation. 

The college now runs global franchises, including Dubai and Sri Lanka, and recently launched its first UK franchise in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Further UK franchises are anticipated in the coming months.

A lot of hard work goes into the organisation, but seeing the shining faces on the night of the awards made it more than worthwhile. It was an experience any parent would cherish.

Celebrating children’s success through awards is a way to honour their uniqueness and fuel their aspirations. By recognizing and nurturing their talents, we provide them with the tools to become confident, well-rounded individuals. 

Participation in awards teaches valuable life skills, expands horizons, and prepares them for a globalized world. Remembering that participation is a victory in itself, and keeping important considerations in mind, ensures that this journey becomes a rewarding and transformative experience for both the child and those guiding them.

As another great thinker, Franklin D. Roosevelt, said: “We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but at least we can prepare our children for the future.”

Dr Rashmi Mantri is Managing Director of the British Youth International College.