Prom. I can't believe it is time again. The kids at MHS always got into such a frenzy and usually set themselves us to be disappointed. Nothing can meet the expectations when a school cafeteria and crepe paper is involved.
If there was anything I tried to get my students to do was, #1. Not spend more than they could afford and #2. Be wise with plans and choices.
Dinner together is what's fun. It really doesn't matter where. Some groups had a blast with dinner at someone's house. Willing parents set table, offered a simple menu like Lasagna and Caesar Salad, lit the candles and cleared out so the couples be together. Driving to Tulsa is difficult because travel time and dinner gets the prom arrival after 10:00. Book reservations locally. HINT: A pre-arranged menu will speed things along. Ask any restaurant in town. There is nothing worse than 16 formally dressed teens ordering everything different from a menu. It is a guaranteed "slow" service dinner.
I was always horrified to see kids drive up in limo's. I knew what the rental was and I knew the beaming passengers had often worked at a minimum wage job for months to pay for the ride. Encourage your kids to save their money for more important things. (like college funds and car payments). The same goes for extravagant dresses and expensive tuxes. A pair of good khakis and a blazer that can be worn for other occasions is better than a one night rental. There are so many cute dresses at reasonable prices now+ resale and consignment shops are a fun way to "dig around and see what you can find."
Mel and I cannot emphasize enough about the drinking deal. Really talk about the dangers and the legality of this choice. I know we don't even have to mention, NEVER be an adult hosting an after -prom party that involves alcohol. Parents have been arrested for allowing underage drinking. Offer a fun alternative with other couples. A pool party and dancing on the patio. Movies and breakfast with all the trimmings. A Dessert Buffet with a Coffee Bar. Rent the Bowling Alley or Skating Rink. Organize an All-Night Event at a church Rec Center. Communicate with your child and see what sounds fun. They may scream "NO" and that it all seem corny but perhaps "one of these or nothing at all" makes a safe and controlled option more palpable. Get a "posse" of parents to agree to agree on choices.
No one wants to regrets the "Morning After". Help your prom-goer make memories. Safe and reasonable memories. Photographs of beaming young men and radiant young women are the goal here. They will never be so young, innocent and so expectant again. chrissie
For my prom we all chipped in and had dinner catered at one of our houses. We chose the menu ahead of time, parents gave us the house and we had a grand time. Looking back, it felt very grownup and sophisticated. I even remember our menu-roast beef, mashed potatoes and green beans, with chocolate cake for dessert.......well, so much for the sophisticated part.
ReplyDeleteIF you all think any one would go to a house to eat before or go BOWLING afterwards----WRONG.
ReplyDeletewe save up all year to Party Hearty with our posse and to outdress, outdrink and outdo each other.
Ready to roll and roll and roll.............Sounds like fun sorta but some of us get and some don't and that's ok.
ReplyDeleteWhat ever maturity means, it takes a lot longer for some of us and some never make it and some keep trying.
Good luck and God bless
What MHS prom???? Is it gonna happen? Just ask a few questions. No plan. No $. Noone noticed.
ReplyDelete