It’s a common tradition for graduates to bring their parents to graduation. But what if you don’t want to? Maybe you don’t have a good relationship with your parents. Maybe you’re estranged from them. Or maybe you just want to celebrate this milestone on your own terms.
Whatever your reason, you’re not alone. A 2019 study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that only 65% of college graduates brought their parents to graduation. That means that 35% of graduates chose to celebrate this milestone without their parents.
If you’re thinking about not taking your parents to graduation, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, consider your reasons for not wanting to take them.
Are you worried about them embarrassing you? Are you afraid they’ll make a scene? Or are you simply not close to them?
Once you know your reasons, you can start to figure out how to deal with them. If you’re worried about your parents embarrassing you, you can talk to them about your concerns. Let them know that you love them, but you’d prefer to celebrate this milestone on your own.
If you’re afraid they’ll make a scene, you can make arrangements to have them sit in a different section of the audience. You can also ask a friend or family member to keep an eye on them.
And if you’re simply not close to your parents, you can invite them to graduation but let them know that you don’t expect them to come.
Second, think about how your parents will react.
Will they be hurt if you don’t take them? Will they understand your reasons?
It’s important to be honest with your parents about your feelings. Let them know that you love them, but you need to do what’s best for you.
Third, make a decision that you’re comfortable with.
Don’t let anyone pressure you into taking your parents to graduation if you don’t want to. This is your day, and you should celebrate it the way you want.
If you decide not to take your parents to graduation, there are a few things you can do to make the day special for them. You can send them a card or a gift. You can call them on the phone. Or you can invite them to dinner after the ceremony.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t tell your parents you’re not taking them to graduation at the last minute. This will only hurt their feelings more. Give them plenty of time to process your decision.
- Don’t be rude or disrespectful to your parents. Even if you’re not close to them, they’re still your parents. Treat them with respect.
- Don’t make a scene at graduation. This is your day to celebrate, so don’t let your parents ruin it. If they start to make a scene, calmly ask them to leave.
How to Step-by-Step Approach
- Talk to your parents about your decision. Explain your reasons for not wanting to take them to graduation.
- Be honest and respectful. Let your parents know that you love them, but you need to do what’s best for you.
- Make a decision that you’re comfortable with. Don’t let anyone pressure you into taking your parents to graduation if you don’t want to.
- If you decide not to take your parents to graduation, make other arrangements to celebrate with them. You can send them a card or a gift, call them on the phone, or invite them to dinner after the ceremony.
FAQs
- Can I still invite my parents to graduation if I don’t want to take them?
Yes, you can still invite your parents to graduation even if you don’t want to take them. Just let them know that you don’t expect them to come.
- What if my parents are upset that I’m not taking them to graduation?
It’s understandable if your parents are upset that you’re not taking them to graduation. However, it’s important to remember that this is your day. You should celebrate it the way you want.
- What can I do to make the day special for my parents if I don’t take them to graduation?
You can send them a card or a gift, call them on the phone, or invite them to dinner after the ceremony.
- Can I bring someone else to graduation instead of my parents?
Yes, you can bring someone else to graduation instead of your parents. This could be a friend, a family member, or a significant other.
