Do you celebrate your child's graduation each school year?
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12th grade and that's it. All of these other "graduations" are ridiculous. The 8th grade graduations are outdated. If it would be their last graduation it's their fault. Why a 1st grade graduation? People these days just want a reason to have a party.
12th grade and that's it. All of these other "graduations" are ridiculous. The 8th grade graduations are outdated. If it would be their last graduation it's their fault. Why a 1st grade graduation? People these days just want a reason to have a party.
Okay? You're welcome to decline the invitation.
I grew up in a neighborhood where we had block parties all summer, and get-togethers happened simply because it was Tuesday. This whole "controversy" cracks me up. Seriously. People go to the trouble to plan a social event, something that is happening less and less these days, and all we hear is complaints. The horror! We're all turning into a bunch of social-media addicted hermits.
In years past, our family has thrown a party to celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer. This year, no, but my kids attended parties hosted by others. I know how much time and trouble it takes to plan such things, so I reminded my children to be gracious and thank the families who put them on.
Last edited by randomparent; 06-05-2014 at 10:27 AM..
You know, the more I think about this, the more incensed I become. WHY is it such a hardship for some people to be gracious when invited to a party or celebration? For the most part, there is no ulterior motive on the part of the host other than perhaps hoping to enjoy your company.
Tomorrow, y'all will be belly-aching about the breakdown of the American community. "Nobody wants to DOoooo anything anymore other than sit on the couch, electronic pacifier in hand." Sound familiar? Folks, these are the things that build community.
It takes a lot of time, effort, and (often) money to plan a celebration of any sort whatsoever. It's hard enough to plan a casual potluck, since nobody seems to understand the importance of an RSVP. Seriously, it's as if we've all forgotten the very basics of etiquette regarding these matters.
So next time you receive an invitation to a first-grade "graduation" consider yourself flattered to have people in your life who want to spend time with you. Go, and when you arrive congratulate the seven-year-old, grab a brew from the cooler, and socialize with the grown-ups while the kids play tag. And, if it's not your scene, that's okay, too, but for the love of Pete, stop yer bitchin'.
Last edited by randomparent; 06-05-2014 at 03:09 PM..
I grew up in a neighborhood where we had block parties all summer, and get-togethers happened simply because it was Tuesday. This whole "controversy" cracks me up. Seriously. People go to the trouble to plan a social event, something that is happening less and less these days, and all we hear is complaints. The horror! We're all turning into a bunch of social-media addicted hermits.
In years past, our family has thrown a party to celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer. This year, no, but my kids attended parties hosted by others. I know how much time and trouble it takes to plan such things, so I reminded my children to be gracious and thank the families who put them on.
There is a big difference between celebrating summer with the whole class or whole neighborhood, and celebrating 1 child finishing 1st grade. It is a completely different thing and the latter will likely turn your child into a self-centered, entitled princess. I am picturing "my super sweet 16." "What do you mean I don't get a party this year?" It does the child a disservice to celebrate non-milestones.
I have no problem celebrating real events, or rewarding good behavior or good grades. I have no problem celebrating the end of school. I do have a problem celebrating one child finishing a random grade. It isn't an accomplishment. If she got straight A's or something, I'd take her out to dinner but I absolutely would not expect other people to celebrate this.
Funny, but the only place I've ever seen anything like what you've described was TV, and we all know that "reality" TV is anything but realistic. For the most part, the celebration of one child finishing a school year does not happen, at least not in the way the detractors in this thread would have us believe.
Now, as for the formal private school eighth grade continuation ceremony I attended, here's a little more about the "graduate": the young woman spent three months shortly after finishing her M.D. working gratis in Haiti to provide medical care after the 2010 earthquake, and she is one of the most humble, most compassionate people I've ever known. She is the complete opposite of a spoiled, entitled princess in every possible way.
I know there are brats out there, but I hardly think a first-grade "graduation" celebration is to blame. So I think everybody needs to chill a bit and just be grateful that somebody is still willing to throw a party occasionally, even if they do use their kid's successful completion of the school year as an excuse. God knows we could all use the opportunity to drag our sorry butts out of the house or office and actually spend some time with our family and friends.
Last edited by randomparent; 06-05-2014 at 09:01 PM..
In any case, what is it about a birthday celebration that earns it a reprieve? It's also a day when little special snowflake is the center of attention. And the brat gets gifts, too! No wonder children become spoiled, entitled princesses.
I've had enough of this nonsense. I hereby insist that we end the disgustingly indulgent tradition of birthday parties. After all, the kid has simply managed to breath for an additional 365 days. Where's the accomplishment in that?
All sarcasm aside, at least an end of school celebration indicates that a child has put in nine or so months of real effort. We don't do it, but if another family wants to get dressed up and have a formal ceremony followed by a big party with all the trimmings, I say, more power to them!
Last edited by randomparent; 06-05-2014 at 11:39 PM..
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It does the child a disservice to celebrate non-milestones. 
