‘Tis the season for high school graduation ceremonies! Â In the hustle and bustle of planning and celebrating, we forget that our kids have never graduated before. They simply don’t know what to expect or how to best handle the social situations that graduation brings about. Moms, it’s our job to prepare them!
Let’s be sure your graduate shines by helping them be confident and prepared for the spotlight. Share these tips with your high school senior .
For the “about to” graduate high school senior:
Must Know #1: What’s the difference between a graduation announcement and a graduation invitation?
The invitation is just that: an invitation. So, don’t be surprised if your long lost Aunt Sally accepts the invitation you sent her and actually attends. Graduation invitations are to be sent 4-6 weeks before the ceremony.
Graduation announcements simply share the news of your graduation and don’t invite the recipient to attend the ceremony. Mail announcements 1-14 days after the ceremony.
Must Know #2: What should I know about receiving graduation gifts?
Receiving gifts is one of the highlights of high school graduation! Â But with the receipt of each gift comes some responsibility. Follow these steps to handle your graduation gifts with grace and gratitude. You will impress everyone if you follow these steps.
Step 1: Stock up on thank you notes. A handwritten thank you note is a must-do (even if your handwriting isn’t the best). I especially like these and these and these. Order plenty so you can take the extra to college with you.
Step 2: Go to the post office and buy a roll of stamps.
Step 3: Find a quality black or blue ink pen. These are my favorites for writing notes.
Step 4: Print the Graduation Gift Registry I’ve created for you to stay organized. Get it here:
Get your free Graduation Gift Registry!
Simply enter your email and your handy Graduation Gift Registry Printable (with a thank you note cheat sheet) will be delivered to your inbox right away.
Step 5: Put these four items (thank you notes, stamps, pen & Registry) in a designated drawer or basket in your kitchen.
Step 6: As gifts arrive, record it on your Registry. Write the thank you note, address it and stamp it the evening you receive it. Drop the note in the mailbox the next morning. Keep up with thank you note writing as the gifts arrive so you won’t have a long and tedious list of notes to write later. Use the Registry to stay organized and as a reminder of who sent what.
Must Know #3: Any advice about the ceremony?
Yes, of course!
1– Graduation day can be long and tiring. Have a snack before you arrive. Wear comfortable shoes under the gown, ladies. Trust me on this one.
2-No gum chewing at the ceremony. No one looks sharp or intelligent when chewing gum.
3– Cell phones should be off and hidden from view during the ceremony. You only have one high school graduation, so be fully present and enjoy!
4-Walk the aisle with confidence. Stand up straight with shoulders back and head up. Have a pleasant look about you- smile and show you’re happy to be there. 🙂
5– Sit up straight during the ceremony. No yawning or whispering- no matter how long the ceremony is!
6-Accept your diploma from the presenter with a firm handshake and an appreciative smile.
7– Share information before the big day with your graduation guests about parking, seating and such. You’re the host and it’s your job to make the day as enjoyable as possible for your guests.
8-Think ahead and designate a spot at the ceremony venue to meet your family and special guests after the ceremony, so you all aren’t wandering around aimlessly in the crowd looking for each other.
9-Personally greet and thank your guests for coming to the ceremony to support you.
10-Be prepared to pose for lots of pictures. Just smile and go with it- this is one of those things us grown-ups do because we just love you so very much.
Must Know #4: Show Gratitude
Graduation closes a chapter on an important part of your life. Think about how much you have changed in the past four years! What accomplishments are you most proud of? What challenges did you overcome? Now here’s the most important question- who helped you along the way? Maybe a coach, a teacher, a youth leader, or a special friend? Take a few minutes to thank them. Send an email, make a phone call, or mail a letter expressing your gratitude.
Congratulations, graduate!
PS) Remember to get the free Graduation Gift Registry I made for you! And if this post was helpful, will you please share it on Facebook?
