I have my name changed to start this thread, but I am a regular. Strictly speaking I am not upset anymore, as 3 days has passed, but still got the negative feeling about it so decided to post.
DC8 was chosen to take part in the sort of public speaking/drama event in his big state primary. It was supposed to be for the 3 older year groups but he was the only one from his year.
Good so far, we were all thrilled for him. He prepared his piece and practised a lot at home. The parents of the participants were all invited to come and watch.
There were about 20 DC's I think, some took part in two or more categories, roughly 5-6 kids for 1 category. DC was the youngest.
So DC performed his piece, in all honesty, not bad for a 8yo, but I could see clearly that the older kids were much better. So when it's ended, the judges announced their decision, starting with runners-ups. Out of approximately 20 performers, only DC and another child were left with nothing. They continued to sit on the bench while the stage were taken by the other kids. At some point I was worried DC will be the only one left out. At the very end a teacher said something like, look, we still have 2 performance left. DC and the other child were called to the stage and given the same medal, as the rest of them.
I must say, that DC was not visibly upset and happy to have a medal. I, on the other side, was upset for him.
Now I must say that my AIBU is not about my DC performance and him being good but underappreciated but about the organisation of the awarding ceremony.
AIBU to think that if you have 20 kids, it is unfair to leave only 2 behind? I think the judges could be more generous and place all the participating kids, or just place strictly the winners e.g. 1 place for each child? They did a lot of joint honours, so nearly everyone was placed and some kids getting more than one medal.
Some kids approached my DC and asked him, if he is OK and that he was really good, it was sweet of them.
So instead of leaving in high spirits I have left being a bit hurt. I am very proud of DC, of course, to be able to go on the stage and perform in front of the whole KS2. DC is not my only child and I thought by now I am immune to the such small things, turned out I am still very sensitive.