to have never seen a 'graduation' photo for pre-school before?

[TiaMariaandDietCoke]

Tonight a couple of old school firends have posted photos of their 4 yr old DCs who finished preschool today - in full graduation robes, mortar board and scroll. I was a bit and I have never seen or heard of this before - is this new? is it another Americanism brought over to the UK?

Before anyone asks, no, I'm not bothered by it, just very curious as to whether this is new or if I've had my head under a rock until now!

I just think it's naff

most things that kids enjoy are a bit naff!

yes but she would enjoy having her picture taken with her mates without having to dress up like a faux adult - I'd rather have a photo that reflects her normal dress and that of her mates

Well, I have just uploaded a pic of ds4 in his cap and gown. I think he looks adorable!

"Got to be some kind of chip on your shoulder to be so invested in what other peoples toddlers do."
No, no chip, thank you. Expressing my opinion, as I am allowed to do. Now please do not address me again.

chip, that "chip" was not directed at you :o

Well, I wore a cap and gown when I graduated from college, gordy. It in no way reflects my normal attire! Although it could probably be handy to wear a gown over my normal clothes, I would have to think far less about what to wear!

can't you have both?

although in some areas there are issues with whole of class photos, people can be funny about it. Not an issue at all in most nurseries but y'don't know the family issues in ones that don't do group pics, there might be one

I love DS's group pic! from one group he goes to, but I KNOW that it wouldn't be possible to do the same at his particular nursery, they do however allow parents to get a pic of their child with all the staff

My name is taken in vain all over this board.

I also could have worn a gown to "graduate" from the diploma I got before my degree (wasn't able to go, but could have)

nothing makes the real thing any less significant

"Please do not address me again"

Er, sorry your majesty, I wasn't informed you were Queen of the Threads.

I'm not. I have made a request and I'd be grateful if you could agree to it. If you can't then I cannot enforce it. I am appealing to your maturity and better nature.

Stealth if I don't want any more of someones replies to my posts, I stop posting on/reading that that thread!

Yes I could have wore one at all 3 'graduations' (Degree, Masters and Diploma later on) - I don't care about the 'significance' or otherwise of a cap and gown - I just think my baby is not graduating - she is leaving nursery to go to school - and I think having a faux picture is naff - we obviously disagree - which is good, boring if we all felt the same!

I can't imagine it could devalue the experience of getting your degree, just because you've dressed up in a similar looking costume before. If anything it might be a bit aspirational - there's a photo of me at about 6 years old looking ridiculous dressed up in my mum's academic gown and hat (the floppy PhD hat rather than the mortarboard) I remember thinking about 'when I get my PhD', which is a nice ambition to have!

Of course it's all a bit silly and unnecessary. And I'm sure it's not compulsory, if you'd prefer your child not to participate. But I'm struggling to see the harm in it.

Just pointless for children.

Why not get them "congratulations on your new job" cards when they start school too?

"Cheriefroufrou Sat 07-Jul-12 17:04:38
Stealth if I don't want any more of someones replies to my posts, I stop posting on/reading that that thread!"

Look, I do not want to fall out with Pat or anyone over such a stupid issue. I do want to continue to discuss it. I am being reasonable and calm. So do you want me to leave this thread?

lady, was there any reason for that character assasination of me?

My DS had this in 2006. Lovely photo except whoever dressed him put his gown on back to front.
He looks like he is at the hairdressers.
The way his academic career is going it may be his only graduation photo so we treasure it (and may photoshop his adult head onto it in about 10 years time).

nope I don't care if you keep posting, but if YOU care that people keep posting then that's the only way to do it really, can't shut off your contribution to no further comment!

joyless and stale
cheers