The debate over participation trophies—awards given to children simply for taking part in an activity—centers on whether they help or harm the development of resilience. Resilience is the psychological capacity to cope with setbacks, adapt to challenges, and recover from failure. Critics of participation trophies worry that constant rewards, regardless of performance, may prevent children from experiencing disappointment and learning perseverance. The concern is that shielding kids from failure could undermine motivation, self-discipline, and long-term grit. Key terms in this discussion include intrinsic motivation, the internal drive to succeed for personal satisfaction; extrinsic rewards, incentives like trophies or prizes; and growth mindset, the belief that abilities improve through effort and practice. Developmental psychology often emphasizes that children benefit from feedback that recognizes both effort and achievement, but excessive recognition without distinction may blur the line between participation and accomplishment. Historically, the tradition of sports trophies was reserved for winners and champions, but by the late 20th century, youth leagues in many countries introduced participation awards to boost self-esteem and encourage inclusivity. This shift reflects broader cultural changes in parenting, education, and attitudes toward competition. Today, the debate asks whether these trophies instill confidence.