How do you feel about graduations?

[kuhio98]

Personally - if I spent all the time and effort and money for my education, then I think I'd want to flaunt it for a few hours. Maybe to keep peace in the family, he could oblige, but if he's absolutely dead set against it, then the opposite camp will just have to understand his position.

Ditto. I would want to celebrate my accomplishment.
But, if he's dead set against it, he needs to tell the inlaws that he's an adult now who makes his own decisions and ask that they respect them.

IMO ~ He needs to explain to them -- not you two. He's an adult now. Mom and Dad shouldn't have to take the heat for him.

[happylabs]

My son just graduated college last year. He did not go and we did not make a big deal about it. I feel they are adults now. It is their life. If the inlaws want to foot the bill would he go?

[carole]

my daughter would be much the same i think as your son, she just is not in to that sort of thing, however secretly when and if the time comes i would love nothing better than to see her graduate, all decked out in hat and cape, i would be very proud, but again i think it is up to them, it is their life.

Just like my girl never went to the school balls, i think you call them proms over there, i was so disappointed, but it was her choice, you cannot live through your kids, they have to make their own decisions, glad you are with him on this and not pressing him, the inlaws will get over it, too bad i say.

BTW congratulations to your son, what a great achievement, that is probably all he needs, the fact he has passed and done so well.

[Laura's Babies]

My own son opted to not go to his graduation ceremony, he had what he went for and that was his diploma. None of us got upset about it, I was just PROUD that he got his diploma.

It is HIS graduation and he should do as he wants and people respect that. If he don't want a big show and to sit through all that hoop la, then he shouldn't have to.

I say just have a party or a meal out with everyone to celebrate the graduation and let that be it.. I would also leave it up to HIM to explain to the grandparents and let that be between them.

My bet is that if you asked all the graduatiing classes today, half would rather not go to the ceremony, they only do it because it is expected of them.

[Freedom]

I loved attending each and every one of my graduation ceremonies! It was the last time to be with most of the people I'd spent those years with. (Only kept in touch with the close friends). Ceremonies are important, to mark milestones!

I have also NEVER loved attending anyone else's graduation, LOL.

Karen, I don't understand, I had 4, and received the "real diploma" at each one. Maybe things have changed since?

Anyway, I was just busting at the seams all day each time, I can't imagine NOT wanting to attend! Obviously, this is just me, lol.

[Alysser]

I have so far only graduated from middle school, but I think the ceremonies are important. I felt so proud an accomplished, and it's basically your moment to shine. I agree, if I had spent that much time and effort into my education I'd want to be in the spotlight.

I never liked sitting through graduations though, I will admit those are pretty boring :P hehe I sat through my sister's high school one last year and wanted to shoot my eyes out.

[Suki Wingy]

I got to walk across the stage and get my diploma holder, like everyone else, but I had to finish a class in summer school to collect my actual diploma, which I still haven't picked up from them almost two years later.

[Asiel]

I know I would still choose to attend my graduation but the speeches are boring, can't deny that. I don't think anyone should make an issue out of the fact your son doesn't want to attend. He still might change his mind on his own. I don't think I would have forced any of my kids to attend their graduations if they had chosen not to.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Well, speaking as someone who is graduating in May (9 more weeks *does a victory dance*) I would want to walk across the stage. I know several of the people in my class that aren't going to walk across the stage because they don't want to or for whatever other reason, but I want to celebrate the accomplishment. After spending years working your butt off to get to this point, walk across that stage . However, if your son doesn't want to walk across the stage, then it is his decision, (and I have to admit, if I had to pay $100, I'm not so sure if I'd be up to the idea of walking either.)