When my daughter was in eighth grade, she asked if we would have a party to celebrate her graduation..

“Sure,” I replied. “We’ll probably go out to dinner and get a cake. What kind do you want?”

“No, not like that,” she said. “I mean a PARTY. Like a big one with all the relatives and my friends and stuff. That’s what some people in my class are doing.”

“For eighth grade!” I probably shouted a little too vigorously. “I mean, we’ll do a party for high School graduation, but I thought we’d keep it low-key for eighth grade….”

This got me thinking. I dropped the question into a parents of teens Facebook group, and the answers were all over the map there, too. Some people did a big trip where their student could choose where they wanted to go with one parent (You may like this read about The 14 Trip and Why Traveling with Your Teen Will Be One of the Best Parenting Decisions You Ever Make) Some answered that they host a small family gathering. Some gave a big gift or were having a big bash. And others, like me, said that they did something small.

As I heard the litany of ways that parents were celebrating their 8th-grade graduates, which included trips to Harry Potter Universal, a big bash with a party planner, and expensive jewelry, I couldn’t help but wonder if I wasn’t celebrating enough or if some people were going a little overboard.

While I’m a big believer in “to each his own,” I feel we have created a world of excess. As parents, we want to make up for our shortcomings by filling the void with big trips and material possessions.

Or maybe it’s just that I yearn for simplicity during these chaotic times. There is something to be said about small get-togethers with the honoree’s favorite treats and a platter of sandwiches—maybe some balloons thrown in for good measure.

The truth: while I’m proud of my daughter for finishing Middle School with all its ups and downs, I also want my kids to have perspective. I’m not sure if she needs a red-carpet event to commemorate every experience.

I explained to her that while we can celebrate in some way, I’d much rather use our time and money for a family vacation where we can all spend time together doing what we love or put that money away for college or an experience she could take with her for a lifetime.

I was lucky that she agreed.

Simple Ways to celebrate your eighth grade graduate.

In today’s overstimulated world driven by curated social media images, it can be tough to teach your kids about the value of simple things. It won’t be overnight, and it won’t be right after they come home from a kickin’ party at one of their friend’s houses where there was a DJ, popcorn machine, and digital photo booth, but over time, I do think they can appreciate them.

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing to simply and easily celebrate your 8th grade graduate.

1. Give the gift of your time.

Life is often hectic as we drive our kids to practices, events, and to just hang out with their friends. But the truth is, our kids are growing up and becoming new people amidst all that running around.

One of the best gifts you can give your Middle school graduate is a one-on-one date that they get to choose. Maybe it’s dinner and a movie, a day trip to explore a park, or a few hours at a new arcade, but whatever you choose to do, make it fun and on their terms.

2. Small get-together with friends

A lot of the parents we talked to liked to kick it back old school when it came to a middle school graduation. According to one parent: “The best party my twin middle schoolers ever had was one where we hosted it in our driveway with popsicles, small snacks, and cupcakes. We made water balloons and played some old-fashioned games like Capture The Flag, kickball, and a scavenger hunt (Get our free scavenger hunt below!)

Many parents pitched in and brought some food, so the cost was minimal. The best part? They weren’t on their phones (except to take photos during the scavenger hunt!) Sometimes as parents we have to lead our kids to activities that they haven’t done in awhile. It’s tough to remember that they are the first generation that grew up with everything electronic. They might complain at first, but once they get going, you’ll hear the laughter from a mile away.

If you are looking for a theme party, some of our birthday party ideas for teens may help.

3. Middle School T-shirt Quilt

This is one of our all-time favorite gifts. Simply take all their middle school t-shirts and get them made into a beautiful quilt for them to have as a keepsake. This is the one gift where they definitely won’t roll their eyes! You may need about a month’s notice, so check out ​Project Repat​ today and use code PTT2024 to get 40% off!

You only need eight shirts to get started. If you want a larger blanket, they can add color blocks for you. This also can make a great gift for a mom who wants to have a memory quilt. (They have gift cards at ​Project Repat​ as well!)

4. Graduation Photoshoot:

Arrange a photoshoot with a professional photographer or with your friends and family to capture memories of this milestone. Choose a scenic location or a place that holds significance for you, such as your school campus or a local park. It will also be fun to use these photos at their high school graduation.

5. Create a Memory Book:

Put together a memory book or scrapbook featuring photos, mementos, and messages from their teachers, classmates, and friends. It’s a great way to preserve their middle school memories and reflect on their achievements.

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Parenting teens and tweens is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. These posts may help.

To My Eighth Grade Boy In Your Last Year of Middle School

10 Common Problems Middle School Girls Face (And How Parents Can Help)

8 Simple Tips to Help Your 8th Grader Prepare for High School

Why Can’t Our Teenagers Just Be Kids Anymore?

The post Here’s How to Celebrate Your Eighth-Grade Graduate appeared first on parentingteensandtweens.com.