My son was upset he didn't get a medal (since he didn't place) but he did get a ribbon for "Best Scout Theme" so after the initial resentment wore off he was happy.
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Learning to lose without blaming someone else is a very important lesson. One a lot of adults haven't learned.

In my son's 9th grade English class, the students critiqued each others' essays. They learned how critique in a meaningful way and how to receive the critique. I worked with adults who would have a hissy fit if you suggested ANY changes to what they had written. Some were so nasty about it that the editor refused to work with them.

arrete