Hello parents! First, let me say I do not have a graduating senior and I am not going through this. However, I do have a child and I do remember graduating and how special that moment was. This must be devastating to some children and parents. I have been wondering how we as a community could make this better for them, although the moment could never really be replaced!
I came up with a couple of options. The first thought was, we need to push these graduations, proms, and celebrations to December. Let those babies walk in December versus canceling the entire ceremony! Unfortunately, this is not a decision I can make, but I can suggest something for parents.
Think of all the children not going to prom, all the dresses and suits bought and all the heartbreaks many children are experiencing. It is unimaginable. If you were going to plan your child a party anyway, what if we threw the children a graduation party that was prom like? Yes, a formal graduation party! Everyone wears their wold-have-been-prom attire. There will be several mini proms going on to celebrate graduating at the same time.
This is nothing new, although slightly outdated now. I actually had a formal graduation party and everyone had to wear a formal gown. I am showing my picture here for ideas and giggles (told you it was outdated but definitely beautiful).
I was in a peach dress with a gorgeous fruit display! I was so proud of my awards and you could not tell me anything that day! I was so proud and just pranced in my high heel shoes. If I still remember how that day made me feel, I can only imagine how we would make a child feel combining the two.
The late and great Jack Welch said “We must learn to celebrate small wins” and we must definitely celebrate great accomplishments. This is one of those moments! Let’s celebrate our children and show them whether it is May, June or December how proud we are of them!
Parents, you can do this! Don’t let those prom dresses go to waste. Formals are back in style for parties!
Raising Little Brown Children 