There is something incredibly exciting, poignant, and momentous about graduating from high school. In many ways, it is the final stage before your child takes their first step into adult life. Furthermore, most teens have been working towards this moment for a long time.
As such, it is important to celebrate this occasion to the best of your ability. This turning point needs to be commemorated in a big and meaningful way. If you need some ideas on how to pull off such an observance, here is what you need to know:
Put a Graduation Announcement in the Newspaper
This can seem like such an old-fashioned thing to do, particularly in the digital age. However, it is a wonderful way to commemorate the occasion. This is because the announcement will last long after the newspaper is in circulation. Someone, somewhere, will have a copy of it.
So, go ahead and set this up with your local newspaper. Make sure to use a flattering photo - you may want to get your child's approval - and write some wonderful words that they can carry with them forever. Naturally, you should buy as many copies as you can for mementos!
Throw a Graduation Party
This may be the oldest trick in the book, but it is certainly one that works! You can choose to have one on a small scale or you can go all out and plan a big bash. Regardless of what your decision is, the party is sure to be appreciated.
Now, it is a good idea to host the party with just your family members and friends. Let your child hold their own bash at a different time. After all, most of their friends will be attending soirees of their own. If you want to make the night extra-special, consider co-hosting the party with the family of your child's best friend. This way, the pals can spend all night together.
Make sure that the party is in line with your teen's personality. For instance, if they are on the shy side, you may not want to throw something too over the top. On the other hand, if they are more outgoing, feel free to invite family members to stand up and give speeches about them.
Let Your Teen Host Their Own Party
This is one last chance for your child to celebrate with their high school friends. So, you should let them host their own party with just their friends. Of course, since your child is still a teen, there are some ground rules that need to be followed.
Give your child free rein when it comes to picking the theme, the food, and more, as long as it fits your budget. However, you will need to remain at home for the duration of the party. There is no need for you to interact with the other kids, but make sure you are inside the house, preferably in your bedroom. This will prevent the party from getting too wild.
You should also talk with your child and let them know what is and isn't acceptable. They can then pass this message onto their friends. In particular, you may want to set a limit to the guest list. That way, you won't end up with every senior in school at your front door
Have Each Family Member Do Something Nice
Every member of the family has their own special relationship with your child. As such, they should make a unique and independent gesture. This will make it seem even more meaningful to your son or daughter, especially since they may be moving away soon.
Older siblings can hand down graduation gifts for sisters or brothers. These can be a mixture of sweet and funny - just like any sibling relationship. There are so many options to select from and many of the presents can be personalized so that they become a one-of-a-kind item.
Each parent should do something different as well. For instance, dad can write a letter to them while mom may be able to create a collage of their high school years. Or, you can simply buy them a beautiful memento - the choice is yours!
Other family members can pitch in too. For example, grandparents could offer advice in the form of a scrapbook or notes. Aunts, uncles, and cousins can pool their money to buy a big-ticket item that they may need for college. The options are endless.
Give Your Child an Experience
As mentioned, your child is on the cusp of adulthood. Once they have started college, they will be preoccupied with getting a handle on this new life of theirs. So, take this opportunity to give them one more wonderful experience.
One thing you can do is take them on a vacation. You can pick something adventurous, relaxing, or educational - whatever is in line with your family. Nevertheless, make sure that it is a memorable occasion and that your child will treasure this memory for years.
If you have the time, you can even consider a cross-country road trip. It will be fun and incredibly freeing. It will also give your teen a glimpse of the world that lies ahead of them. Such a trip will be a great precursor to college life. They will be able to meet new people, change up their schedules, and leave their comfort zone.
There are many different ways you can celebrate this big moment. You can consider these ideas or just pick out a couple. Either way, your child will be thrilled with your efforts. What's more, it will ensure that this significant event will be even more special to them.
Of course, feel free to get creative with these ideas. After all, you know your child best and are aware of what they will and won't like. Thus, you can customize these concepts to perfectly fit your new graduate. In doing so, you will create beautiful memories that they will carry into their adult life.
