Earlier this year, one of my sons decided to run for a position in school.
A good friend of his was also running for the same position, but decided to give his vote to my son instead of himself.
Neither of them won the top place – but both boys got voted into the deputy positions together.
I was exceedingly glad for this, because it taught my son two valuable lessons: Success can come to you even when you don’t put yourself first, and it can be shared.
At this point, you may be wondering: “It sounds like your kids haven’t truly been ‘successful’ when it comes to winning. Isn’t this more like an attempt at consolation?”
Here’s my answer.
My daughter now extends the same grace and kindness she received to the new girls in her dance troupe.
She goes out of her way to show them the steps when they’re unsure, encourages them not to give up and cheers them on excitedly when they finally get it.
Watching her, I can’t help but feel proud – perhaps even more so than when her troupe clinched third place in their last competition.
She now understands that even when the stakes are high, you can absolutely be patient and look out for others and still do well.
My son tells me that he’s really looking forward to an exciting year of shared responsibilities with his friend. To him, the road ahead already seems more meaningful with his buddy by his side.
In 10 or 20 years, my children probably won’t remember who came in first, second or third at this or that competition, or who got the top spot in this or that committee.
They will, however, remember the lessons they’ve learnt. These will stay with them for life, far longer than any grade or medal.
