I read before that there was a point in time when adults in the US would give children trophies just for participation as a means of boosting the latter’s self-esteem. Does this still happen?

I think telling children that they can achieve anything without building up real competencies could be more detrimental than beneficial ‘cos their self-esteem isn’t based on anything concrete.

You may be doing better than you think. It sometimes takes years for one’s teachings to sink in a child’s mind. Maybe those conversations are being blended in their minds right now!