Ah, graduation, when kids go from one stage of life to another and parents sob that their baby is growing up. Truth is that even though there will be quite a few of them in one’s lifetime, each graduation is a milestone and an occasion worth celebrating. Your kid may downplay his accomplishments (“come on, mom, literally everyone graduates high school”), but even so, it’s your job as parent to make it a big, embarrassing to-do!

No matter if they’re 8 or 18, here are some graduation tips for parents beyond the actual ceremony and celebratory meal itself to help you (and them, but mostly you) make it memorable and the transition to the next chapter a bit easier:

Acknowledge your feelings. You won’t be the only one dealing with a bevy of emotions. Your grad could be nervous about starting a new school and/or sad to leave behind friends at their old one. Hold space for all the feelings—both theirs and your own.

Consider a sentimental gift. I’m already starting a collection of all my 7-year-old’s sports jerseys from our town rec leagues that I plan to make into a quilt he can take to college. I’m not crying, you’re crying! Younger kids may appreciate a special photo album or frame or a cap-wearing stuffy with their name and date on it. Get creative, and invest in a gift that has meaning to your family.

Allow the grad to have a say in the celebrations. Depending on your child’s age and personality, they may want a huge party with the whole class, a fun dinner with their best friends, or a small gathering with just immediate family. Give your child a few options on how to celebrate, and let them take part in the decision making and planning. This is their graduation after all.

Let them assert their independence. Now that they’re moving on up, give your child the opportunity to prove they can handle a little more responsibility. This will be age-dependent, of course; maybe your newly-minted preschooler is ready to dress themselves, your middle schooler is asking for a phone (good luck!) and your high schooler wants a car to take to college. 

Take a little credit yourself. Sure, they might’ve done the homework and had a great attendance record put in their time at school, but you’re the one who really got them to this point. If you think about it, graduation is sorta like celebrating a birthday for the person who was born and not the mom who birthed them—how does that even make sense? Celebrate yourself (and your co-parent) for getting to this point. Even more so if you’re now an empty-nester!!

How will you be honoring the class of 2025?

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