My 18yo ds doesn't want to go to his HS Graduation

[NMAmy]

Well, rats. Now I need to make sure dd is not going to her graduation ceremony for my benefit only. I've been working at different colleges for over 10 years. I've been to more graduation ceremonies than any human should have to endure.

Of course, this one will be different and I'm very proud of her. But if she didn't want to walk, it wouldn't bother me at all. I can be proud of her accomplishments without the ceremony.

All I remember from my high school graduation is that my niece (who was 3 at the time) escaped my grandfather and ran out on the field to walk partway in the line with us. Her mom managed to discreetly retrieve her before we got anywhere close to the stage but we have some great pictures of her walking along with me holding my hand. When she graduated, I asked if I could join her but she didn't think that would be a good idea.

 

[Missy1961]

Well, rats. Now I need to make sure dd is not going to her graduation ceremony for my benefit only. I've been working at different colleges for over 10 years. I've been to more graduation ceremonies than any human should have to endure.

Of course, this one will be different and I'm very proud of her. But if she didn't want to walk, it wouldn't bother me at all. I can be proud of her accomplishments without the ceremony.

All I remember from my high school graduation is that my niece (who was 3 at the time) escaped my grandfather and ran out on the field to walk partway in the line with us. Her mom managed to discreetly retrieve her before we got anywhere close to the stage but we have some great pictures of her walking along with me holding my hand. When she graduated, I asked if I could join her but she didn't think that would be a good idea.

That is such a sweet story!

 

[Cantw8]

I'm so sorry for all of you that had to endure a torturous time in high school prior to reading those posts here, I also felt that a child should attend their graduation ceremony...if not for themselves, then for their parents. I totally get why some don't want to do it now That never occurred to me before.

 

[Buckalew11]

I only read page one so I can't imagine where this has gone in 10 pages but my opinion (FWIW, LOL) is to let him skip it. Mine meant very little to me and it was hot and uncomfortable. I already had a job lined up and was ready to move on also. I think parents should listen to kids about stuff like this. I highly doubt I would have regretted not walking. Ofc ourse, I didn't want a wedding either but DH insisted and thought I'd regret it. I still believe 22 yrs. late that I would not have regretted that either.

Congrats to your son. It sounds like he has done well and that y'all did a wonderful job raising him. He is spreading his wings to fly!! Best wishes to him!!

 

[Buckalew11]

OMG, I should not have even looked! What a thread!

Someone posted about a kid not walking giving back their graduation gifts...why would they give them back? They earned their diploma. My niece graduated and participated in her graduation 2 years ago and did NOT send announcements out (asking for $$). They figured the people who knew her well enough to know she was graduating would send a gift if they wanted. I have no problem with announcements and gifts (although some years I receive a lot!) but like my sister said, it is what it is...

And deb, your link about bullying...I will read it all soon but wanted to say thank for the link. My DD was bullied by about 5 or 6 girls at a private christian school for many years. We pulled her out last year when it just got so bad she couldn't take it anymore. I had no idea her life was as bad as it was there. Anyway, I have a thriving 15yo now and I can guarentee you that she would not want to graduated in a class of of about 20 with 5 or 6 girls who bullied and 4 or 5 more that stood by and allowed it to happen. There is no love lost between any of us, I'm sure.

 

[ckret01]

OP- I think that giving your son a few options of what he might like to do for his graduation is a wonderful idea and I hope he has a wonderful time in whatever he chooses.

I graduated 20 years ago and don't even remember it...heck I think I forgot about it the next day or so. I was proud I graduated but didn't care if I went to the ceremony or not. Even though I did, I was uncomfortable because there were a lot of people in my class that were mean and I just didn't care for them. 20 years later I joined facebook and re-connected with many of these people thinking they changed and they haven't. It's like being in highschool all over again. So I can understand why your son doesn't want to be a part of that day.

CONGRATS to your son! He sounds like a wonderful young man