I know you may be overwhelmed with the whole idea of planning a graduation party and you are worried about things like:  Am I going to have a graduation open house or a graduation party?  How do I pick a date?  How much is it going to cost?  What is a good graduation party menu?  How much food do I need?  Before you get stressed out with the details, stop and ask yourself this question:  "Why am I planning this graduation party or graduation open house?"

When you have answered this question, you are ready to proceed.  As with any great task, the first thing you must determine is, "what is the outcome you want?"  Steven Covey, in his book,Seven Habits ofHighly Effective People, said "Begin with the end in mind."

You have poured your life into your child's from the time they were an infant until their upcoming graduation.  You have spent many nights helping with homework, going to sporting events, and listening to their stories.  All these great moments remind you how hard you have worked to get them to this point in their life.  But this event is not going to be about you, or how nice your home looks, or how great a party you put on.  It is aboutcelebrating your child.  Focus on what you want your child to know and experience from this event.  It can be about their accomplishments, their friendships, or any number of things.

I suggest you put together a list of things you want the graduation open house to highlight.

Here are a few suggestions:

• - high school academic accomplishments
• - high school sports or extracurricular activities
• - Friendships
• - Family
• - Past special occasions
• - Future plans

Once you have determined your reason(s) for having a graduation open house and have decided how you are going to make treasured memories for your child, you are ready to begin planning.