As May comes to a close, my social media feeds are filled with parents expressing their desire for time to slow down or for their children to stop growing up. You know the ones I mean—the same parents who just nine months ago were celebrating the return to school with parties and perhaps a few drinks, exclaiming #thankgodforschool. Yet, as the school year wraps up, these same parents seem to have transformed into sentimental softies.
And honestly, who can blame them? Schools, much like dogs, have an uncanny ability to sense emotional vulnerability. They’ve smartly capitalized on this by creating extravagant graduation events that seem increasingly extravagant. I’ve seen everything from pre-K and kindergarten to first, second, and even fourth-grade graduations. What gives? Some of these ceremonies even include tiny caps and gowns, complete with overpriced photo packages to immortalize the occasion. Because, really, who wouldn’t want an overpriced 8×10 of little Timmy in his kindergarten graduation gear? If you’re not on board, prepare to be labeled as devoid of emotion and perhaps even face a hefty “end of school” donation request to make up for it.
Back in my day, the last day of school simply marked a transition. If you could identify some shapes, share appropriately, and spell your name, you were moved up a grade. Celebrations consisted of casual classroom parties or playground water balloon fights, with store-bought treats. There was no budget for elaborate events, nor were parents fretting over making gluten-free, nut-free snacks to cater to every dietary whim. If you were lucky, you might receive a yearbook filled with those wonderfully awkward photos of your classmates, spending your final hours signing pages with the profound message of “have a great summer.” If you were particularly fond of a friend, you might even embellish a few signatures with hearts.
So, how did we arrive at this point?
Is it a natural evolution stemming from the “everyone gets a trophy” mentality? Are we doomed to continuously outdo ourselves for every milestone in our children’s lives? I can’t help but wonder if this current trend might dilute the significance of future celebrations. At this rate, we might find ourselves planning galactic-themed parties for high school graduations.
Now, don’t mistake my critique for a lack of appreciation for these milestones. I genuinely cherish my children, their school, and the dedicated teachers who have nurtured them throughout the year. Ultimately, I am thankful for the opportunity to spend my limited time reflecting on these celebrations rather than engaging in the party planning frenzy. After all, lamenting pre-K graduation ceremonies is a privilege, and those little graduates in their tiny gowns are undeniably adorable—maybe even worthy of that 8×10 print after all.
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In summary, the trend of annual graduation ceremonies has evolved significantly from simpler times. While it may seem excessive, these celebrations reflect a desire to cherish and memorialize milestones in our children’s lives.