<p>Where do kids go these days to find defeat much less learn how to deal with it? Theyve been brought up to reach for the stars (or dance with them) and value only success. At least at BS, this message of lottery results with little effort is brutally challenged. How many kids show up that first year with perfect records only to struggle for Bs as they learn the hard way that their usual effort just isnt going to cut it? How many take a hit to their self-esteem when they find themselves competing for the first time in a pool of kids every bit as good and better than they are? How many came prepared for that when theyve grown up with the false message that they are all little engines that can, not could? And how many parents have cringed while watching this leveling happen?</p>
<p>I grew up on Charlie Brown and his failures. We just said, Rats, and moved on. Who knew what a valuable lesson that was? Maybe its time to make A Boy Named Charlie Brown required viewing. Excuse me while I go see if I can put that in my Netflix queue.</p>