My son wants a graduation ceremony. One of his cousins is graduating from elementary school today. Another graduated from middle school last week. Tyler refuses to understand why he’s not having a ceremony. After all, he’s graduating from kindergarten. I have explained to him that normally there is a celebration when you pass from preschool to elementary school, from elementary to middle and from middle to high school. I reminded him that since he didn’t attend preschool he missed the first rite of passage. He then asked, “Why didn’t we have a celebration?”
He’s absolutely right, we should have. Homeschooled kids should celebrate these milestones just like kids who attend “regular” programs. I goofed.
One of the great things about having little kids is they are so forgiving. They don’t generally hold grudges against you when you mess up. They will accept their celebrations with a smile even if it comes a year later. What’s more, kids this age are usually pretty easy to please. They like you to make them feel special. They love being the center of attention. And they love pats on the back and accolades for jobs well done.
With that in mind, my son has graciously informed me that I am throwing him a party Saturday. And he deserves it. He reminded me just today that he has not missed one single test item or question posed to him this year. He reminded me that he’s doing first grade work (and some second grade). So yes, despite his tendency to drive me up the wall his intelligence does deserve a round of applause, a cake and perhaps some balloons.
I haven’t worked out all the details yet, but as I said, kids this age are easy to please. Tyler is quite content when I give him my undivided attention. I can make up a nice certificate on my computer and maybe a banner. He’ll love that. He likes to dance so definitely some of his favorite music on the stereo. Throw in a few games, some snacks and we’re good to go.
If you have kids who aren’t having graduation celebrations, consider throwing them one anyway. They deserve a special evening for all the hard work they have done this year. Especially if you have kids who are also graduating. Sometimes the kids who aren’t may feel left out, over shadowed by an older sibling’s accomplishment. Not to take away from the graduates but make sure you take time to let all of your kids know how special they are to you and how proud you are of them.
See also:
All The STUFF That Comes Home At The End Of The School Year