Do you decorate the car for the last day of school pickup?

[Anonymous]

You all need to stop.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure your kids were very excited! Just remember for next time, no "new" helium

[Anonymous]

Absolutely. We do something like this ever year. It feels like a big parade on the way home, it's so much fun!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

(that was a joke, FYI)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've only seen that for seniors in high school decorating their car.

Maybe do something other than helium balloons, OP. Helium is always a critical component of scientific research, and since it's a byproduct of (mainly Qatari) natural gas, right now supplies are depleted because supplies can't get through the Strait of Hormuz.

[Anonymous]

I think it sounds adorable. My kids take the bus, and on the last day parents bring popsicles to the bus stop. One year there were squirt guns.

None of this is necessary, but if you can swing it, why not (unless you think it would embarrass your kids).

[Anonymous]

I don't understand why people feel the need to be so public with things. Why not hang some balloons up at home or coordinate with the families of your kids' friends to do something special that afternoon or evening? I usually have a few summer themed gifts for kids at home and then we go out to dinner, sometimes just our family and sometimes with one or two other families. So we definitely mark the occasion.

But decorating your car or doing something super public just seems like you are making it about you. Like it's less about your kids seeing the car and thinking it's fun and more about everyone else seeing it and thinking you're fun or that your family is fun. It's what my sister would call being "extra", akin to wearing a tiara and a sash that says "Birthday Girl" for your birthday dinner even though you are 35.

[Anonymous]

Never heard of this, but go ahead if you want.

We always go out for ice cream (my mom took my siblings & me for ice cream on the last day), then head to the pool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand why people feel the need to be so public with things. Why not hang some balloons up at home or coordinate with the families of your kids' friends to do something special that afternoon or evening? I usually have a few summer themed gifts for kids at home and then we go out to dinner, sometimes just our family and sometimes with one or two other families. So we definitely mark the occasion.

But decorating your car or doing something super public just seems like you are making it about you. Like it's less about your kids seeing the car and thinking it's fun and more about everyone else seeing it and thinking you're fun or that your family is fun. It's what my sister would call being "extra", akin to wearing a tiara and a sash that says "Birthday Girl" for your birthday dinner even though you are 35.

+1

Plus it creates this arms race, because then more and more parents do it and soon you’re the outlier if you don’t and you don’t want your kid to feel left out so you do it but it’s not out of joy it’s out of obligation and it’s just extra year-end stress.

Don’t do “special” things that put blatant pressure on other parents. Decorate your front door if you want to do something fun. And if that doesn’t sound like as much fun as the car, as yourself if maybe this isn’t for your kid as much as it is for how the other parents see you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've only seen that for seniors in high school decorating their car.

Maybe do something other than helium balloons, OP. Helium is always a critical component of scientific research, and since it's a byproduct of (mainly Qatari) natural gas, right now supplies are depleted because supplies can't get through the Strait of Hormuz.

The helium shortage and its importance in strategic US industries is well-known, PP, and predates the current conflict. The war with Iran just makes a tricky situation even worse.

Scoffing just shows everyone how ignorant you are.

[Anonymous]

please don't make this a thing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let me guess, small private school?

Title 1 public school, west coast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand why people feel the need to be so public with things. Why not hang some balloons up at home or coordinate with the families of your kids' friends to do something special that afternoon or evening? I usually have a few summer themed gifts for kids at home and then we go out to dinner, sometimes just our family and sometimes with one or two other families. So we definitely mark the occasion.

But decorating your car or doing something super public just seems like you are making it about you. Like it's less about your kids seeing the car and thinking it's fun and more about everyone else seeing it and thinking you're fun or that your family is fun. It's what my sister would call being "extra", akin to wearing a tiara and a sash that says "Birthday Girl" for your birthday dinner even though you are 35.

+1

Plus it creates this arms race, because then more and more parents do it and soon you’re the outlier if you don’t and you don’t want your kid to feel left out so you do it but it’s not out of joy it’s out of obligation and it’s just extra year-end stress.

Don’t do “special” things that put blatant pressure on other parents. Decorate your front door if you want to do something fun. And if that doesn’t sound like as much fun as the car, as yourself if maybe this isn’t for your kid as much as it is for how the other parents see you.

+100

[Anonymous]

No

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Absolutely. We do something like this ever year. It feels like a big parade on the way home, it's so much fun!!!!!!

Schools near me do "clap outs" and little parades like this for kids finishing elementary school at publics (or 8th grade at private K-8ths). It's fun and the kids like it, don't see the harm.