Formal or Not - Graduations Rock | Lifestyle

By MarilynAndersen
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As the seasons change, so do our lives. Graduations are one way we celebrate closing one chapter in our lives and moving onto the next. With caps, gowns and diplomas, graduations were once more formal events. Today we may attend a graduation for a pre-school or children's dance class.

It starts with preschool graduations. These have become more common in the past several years. My own preschool graduation was nothing formal. We simply had a picnic in the local park. My younger brother, however, had a more "traditional" graduation ceremony - complete with a construction paper cap and diploma that he made himself. This ceremony was very special to my family, as he had been a preschool dropout the year before. (Life without mommy is tough when you're three!)

I have a daughter who will be graduating from elementary school soon and moving into middle school. Unfortunately both schools are in the same building so there isn't actually a graduation planned by the school. But she's changing - all grown up as she thinks of herself. No more play dates for her - she's setting her sights on trips to the mall and movies with her gal pals. While I enjoy seeing her grow up, I miss the innocent child that is left behind.

By the time high school graduations come around, our childhood really has been put away. It's a bittersweet time where we are sad to leave some of our friends behind but we are also excited to move forward. In some ways this is clearer to us when we get older - just how much our lives changed at that moment. One of the cool things I do remember about that graduation was getting a lot of presents. Everything I needed for my dorm room in college and even some cash.

College was a lot of work and when I got around to graduating, I really felt proud of myself. The pomp and ceremony were so much more meaningful than it was when I graduated from high school. I also was far more aware that I was at yet another turning point in my life and was quite anxious to move forward.

All graduations should be attended and supported in your child's life. Help them understand that change is a part of life and that by successfully completing another chapter in their life is a bit accomplishment - a measure of success. That pride will support them for the rest of their lives.

About the Author

Marilyn works for EyeCandyGift.com and loves their fine assortment of graduation gifts which include business gifts, and lockets. Discover more great marriage presesnts including bridesmaid gift ideas.

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