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Fun with Graduations for All Ages

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Written by Marilyn Andersen

Thursday, 24 April 2008

by MarilynAndersen

Spring has sprung, and that means one thing - Graduations! This ceremony was once reserved for high school and college graduates. And the ceremonies themselves were often quite long and formal. But now, they are in every school and for every age. The caps and gowns are being prepared as students say good bye to an old era and hello to a new one.

So today we'll see children graduate before they ever get to the first institutionalized school. If it's a preschool graduation, it could be a very simple affair. Something like a picnic in the park or cake at home. If you get creative, perhaps you'll construct something out of paper for a hat or use some construction paper for a diploma.

My kids are still young but I do have a daughter who's ready to move into middle school next year. It's all within the same building (elementary and middle schools) so there isn't a diploma ceremony for the kids. But the kids know that they are growing up. The simpler pleasures of play dates and girl scouts are getting replaced by planned trips to the stores for new cloths or practicing for cheerleader tryouts.

When I graduated from high school I was not really aware of just how big a change was ahead of me. I naively thought I'd keep all my old friends - even those who were not moving onto college with me - and just figured I might make a few new ones. Boy was I wrong on that count! But I did enjoy that event with all the fantastic gifts and attention. I felt so grown up.

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 wedding gift ideas including unique wedding favors.