With all of the hard work, together…
WE MADE IT!!!

The time is now! That final walk across the stage is rapidly approaching! Parents and Guardians, are you okay? Graduation is finally here! Hats off to the cap and gown recipients! Our babies are no longer attached at our hip and are now embarking on their next chapter! Don’t panic! Smile with glee and wipe your tears away! We’re in the season of celebration! In the blink of an eye, the time will pass. As you prepare, understand your pockets are headed for substantial withdrawals over the next few months. Prom… graduation… party planning… plenty of shopping and logistics on your to-do list before this season of your life is over…at least for this time and this child. The bittersweet feeling of your youngster’s graduation may have you overwhelmed but you’ll get moments to yourself where you can just sit back and breathe! There’s no getting over it, just getting through it!

Where do you begin? Check your child’s academic status with their school and set your budget! Below is a general list to help frame your plan. Every family’s situation is different, but core activities remain the same.

School counselor

• Be proactive and check their grades periodically throughout their junior and senior years to make sure those grades are up to par sooner rather than later. Reach out to their teachers and counselors to confirm your child’s academic status often. If you didn’t get the news you were expecting to hear, hope is not lost. Take action quickly and reach out to their teachers for possible extra credit or resubmission of assignments before the deadline. There’s nothing worse than preparing for a graduation that’s not happening…on time. No shockers here! Unfortunately, it happens every year to some unlucky senior somewhere. Yikes! Please don’t let it be your child showing up decked out with their friends only to be led out without a couple of handshakes or their diplomas in hand.

Graduation Dues and Preparation

• Once your child’s status is positively confirmed, those dues are due for your excited senior. Most graduation dues cover the event, and their graduation paraphernalia i.e diploma covers, stoles or stashes, academic cords or medals and ceremony tickets. You can also upgrade your child’s dues for some school memorabilia keepsakes i.e. school rings and yearbooks.

Prom Planning

• This is where it’s going to hurt, secondary to the graduation party! I feel your bank accounts pain! Be prepared to pay equal to or beyond your mortgage payment! Custom or tailored formal wear and the accessories to match, plus the cost of grooming head to toe and a mini sendoff party for the day of the event will have you feeling like a money pit. Don’t forget they’ll also need transportation, whether you rent them a car or acquire a chauffeur.

Graduation

• You’ll need plenty of help for the main event! Don’t be shy! Ask around. People in your circle will be available to help when you put the word out in the group chat. You’ll need a location, decorations, catering, DJ, photographer, videographer, table and chair set up and whatever miscellaneous items necessary for their special day. There’s nothing wrong with a running list to keep things on track and non-chaotic!

Gifts

• Don’t be too hard on yourself trying to think of the best gift for your special senior in their moment. You know your child’s minimum and maximum desires. Do your best with what you know and have available. Plan ahead at least a year in advance to stock up on some items on clearance during their junior year. There’s no shame in saving a buck or two! Don’t feel remorseful on what you spent or what you bought. Don’t overbudget the entire process of graduation from cap to party. Your child knows you love them. Your child also knows that life still goes on after graduation. Bills, food and everyday maintenance never take a break. Now that they’re an adult, they’ll find out sooner than they anticipate what adulting is truly all about!

Graduation blues comes with many peaks and valleys but in the end, as proud parents, we’re thankful for the experiences over the years. We’re blessed beyond measure to have had the opportunity to help guide their path. We pray for their security and strength and look forward to what’s in store for their future!  Congratulations to the graduates and to the parents and guardians! You did an amazing job!

Congratulations!!!