Yesterday was my three-year-old's nursery school "graduation." I'm not big on all of these graduation ceremonies: nursery school, kindergarten, middle school or Grade Eight (depending on your area), high school, then college and/or university... it gets to be a bit much. I mean, I can understand a high school graduation - that's a major point in your life. University or college? it's a major accomplishment that not everyone achieves, so go ahead - congratulate yourself!
But kindergarten? Nursery school? It all seems a bit silly, doesn't it? We've become obsessed with every little milestone, I think. Even as babies, it's not just about walking and talking; it's when did they roll front to back, and back to front? When do they first smile, laugh... when do they eat their first Cheetos?
It's not that I'm against being proud of your child's achievements, I just wonder when the standard for what an achievement is, changed. Most normal, healthy babies are going to roll over. It may be a delight for a parent to see it for the first time, but it's not "invite all of the relatives for a big party" time, is it? Do we really need to remember the exact date and time that it happened? Or should we just enjoy the memory of what it was like to watch? I feel the same way about giant first birthday parties (or giant kid birthday parties in general): is it really necessary? I've found that most of the time these parties are actually torturous for the little ones who are supposed to be feted.
And finishing kindergarten: is it really worth making parents take time off from work to see their kid in a cardboard hat with a sheet draped over them as a gown? For most kids, they're still going to be at the same school the next year. The only thing different will be the "Grade" in front of what level they're at. This may not be the case at all schools, but I also believe that many schools don't pay for these ceremonies. Because parents expect them, though, the kindergarten teachers end up having to come up with the money for them.
I probably sound like a giant Scrooge right now, but let me just interject with: I was a big sobby mess yesterday at my son's "graduation." It is an acknowledgement that yes, he is getting bigger, and soon he'll be in "real" school. I loved watching him up at the microphone with a little girl from his class, singing in the microphone in front of everyone. My baby boy is growing up, and a big part of me just wants him to stay little, and be my cuddlebug forever.
So maybe a little celebration here and there never hurt anyone.
