May 17, 2020
There is a traditional "right of passage" when our children move
from being a Senior in High School to a student at college. This
event is celebrated at a High School Graduation - which this year
is very different. In today's episode I talk with moms across the
country about how they're celebrating their seniors of The Class of
2020 during the pandemic. At times the conversation got emotional
and at times inspirational. What became very clear is how important
the traditions of Senior Year are not only for the students but
also for the parents. I feel honored that these mothers would talk
so candidly with me on how they felt about all the changes they
were experiencing.
Here are a few of the ideas that these moms did to help their
seniors celebrate.
-You children will take their cues only how to handle the situation
from their parents. If you explain to them that this is not just
happening to them or their town but all over the world it will help
put a more positive outlook on it. They will follow the parents
lead.
-Have you senior get dressed up for photos for Prom and
Graduation.
-For Prom your senior can get dressed up and then make their
favorite meal and have a dance party at home with the
family.
-Find a special place for the photos to take place. Even though
they might be "Fake Photos" it's still the opportunity to record
memories. You'll have these photos for the rest of your lives and
be able to look back on this time as a few moments of
positivity.
-If your schools have traditions you can do some of these
traditions at home. For instance, one of the moms continued the
tradition of making purple margaritas. Tip: To make a purple
margarita you can use purple sugar that'd you'd use to decorate
cookies.
-Decorate the seniors bedroom door or front door.
-One of the BIGGEST helps is have the "Grandparents" get involved
in the planning. Your senior will not say no to their
grandparents!
-Have a graduation in the backyard. Have them walk outside and do a
ceremony in a special place.
-Perhaps your town will allow some time of "social distancing"
graduation outside. Work with your school to find
opportunities.
-And finally, a lot of the children don't know what they're missing
out on. It might be more for the adults than the children. Be sure
to keep it in check.
Thank you so much for these moms to be so honest and open with how
they're feeling and how they're making the most of this
unprecedented situation. I wish The Class of 2020 that even though
they are not getting the graduation they might have hoped for, they
are resilient and stepping up into their futures with hope, purpose
and passion. I've never felt more optimistic about the future than
I do seeing how incredible this class is pivoting and making
lemonade out of lemons! God bless you!