In metro Atlanta and a few cities across the nation, some early childhood programs are giving their students a chance to experience prom, senior week and senior class trips before they march across the stage to receive their “diplomas.”
The pomp and circumstance is part of a growing trend to introduce 4- to 6-year-olds to what they can expect as high school seniors. It’s part dropout prevention, praise and picture-perfect memories for parents.
So are they going to take the young’uns to Panama City?
Seriously, who thinks this is a good idea?
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Yikes!
It’s bad enough that parents dress their children as miniature adults, especially young girls. Do we now have to subject them to acitvities that have been preciously reserved for adults and teenagers to tempt them to stay in school? Where is the research that shows this is effective? Or are we using these children as guinea pigs? I’d much prefer to reward them for their achievement, even if it means “paying” them to stay in school, NOT get pregnant, graduate, etc. What we’re doing now is clearly not working. How about watching “Waiting For Superman” and gaining some real insight!