Author Topic: Toddler Proms are a Thing  (Read 5424 times)

MrsDinero

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Toddler Proms are a Thing
« on: June 30, 2016, 05:54:10 PM »

LeRainDrop

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2016, 06:41:22 PM »
My hypothetical kid will not be attending.

MoneyCat

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2016, 08:35:18 AM »
I... I can't even... WHAT IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?!?!?!?!?!?

frugledoc

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2016, 09:08:48 AM »
My hypothetical kid will not be attending.

My real one won't be either.  I'm a bad dad. 

talltexan

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2016, 09:09:33 AM »
I think there are probably ways to hack the financial aspects of this--the nice dresses, etc.--and focus on teaching children how to behave in a new situation. Diverse experiences for children doesn't sound so terrible.

crispy

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2016, 09:56:49 AM »
I think there are probably ways to hack the financial aspects of this--the nice dresses, etc.--and focus on teaching children how to behave in a new situation. Diverse experiences for children doesn't sound so terrible.

There are ways to do that without prom dresses, limo rides, and dates.  My youngest daughter's preschool did a party every year where the kids could dress up (either fancy clothes or costumes). The teachers served a fancy lunch and then they did cute crafts and played.  This was a nice way to teach etiquette without setting kids up to be little adults.

Magilla

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2016, 10:28:13 AM »
I think there are probably ways to hack the financial aspects of this--the nice dresses, etc.--and focus on teaching children how to behave in a new situation. Diverse experiences for children doesn't sound so terrible.

If you want to teach kids that then take them to museums, theater, opera, church, etc.

shelivesthedream

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2016, 11:06:58 AM »
I am profoundly saddened by how this is yet again introducing younger and younger children to sex-based romantic relationships. They're only just out of nappies and they have to put makeup on and get dolled up for their date? Why do you have to teach children so early that the only way to relate to other people is through sex and romance? What if they want to go with their best friend who is the same sex as them in a totally non-datey way, but Mummy and Daddy think it's so cute to have little Tyrone pick them up in a limo, just like a little grown up! Money aside, this kind of socialisation for children is so fucked up.

MrsDinero

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2016, 11:07:17 AM »
I've always viewed proms as a coming of age rite.  A way to celebrate the end of high school and stepping into adulthood.  Not something for this little kids and babies. 

As far as teaching kids manners and how to behave well those opportunities present themselves every day, you don't need to manufacture an event for it.

TheGrimSqueaker

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #9 on: July 01, 2016, 11:25:18 AM »
I think there are probably ways to hack the financial aspects of this--the nice dresses, etc.--and focus on teaching children how to behave in a new situation. Diverse experiences for children doesn't sound so terrible.

My birthday party, at age six, was an afternoon tea party with no adults. It was my idea, and a bunch of kids ended up copying it because they wanted a similar experience for themselves.

The logistics were easy. My mom and I spent a couple hours baking, although in fairness she did most of the work. I remember helping to cut the crusts off of the cucumber sandwiches. I got to invite six of my little friends over (family rule: one guest per year of age). I think we might have baked a cake from scratch and if so it was probably chocolate. My mom cruised around during the party making sure the tea got poured properly and the food got onto the table properly. It was super cheap, just finger food and the cost of those little invitations, and all the kids felt very grown up. I'd be astounded if the party cost more than twenty bucks.

meghan88

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #10 on: July 01, 2016, 03:29:31 PM »
Just as bad as kiddie beauty pageants.  Very sad indeed.

MrsPete

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #11 on: July 03, 2016, 08:30:20 AM »
My girls attended several Daddy-Daughter dances, which seemed more age-appropriate.  They always wore something along the lines of an Easter dress -- you know, fancier than a typical church dress, but something they already had.  They wore ribbons in their hair instead of make-up on their faces.  They'd go out to dinner with Daddy at Pizza Hut, have pictures made, then have a fun evening with Daddy and friends. 

This prom thing is kind of icky in that's encouraging the kids to have "a date" at much too young an age, and the miniature prom dresses are "too much". 

KodeBlue

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #12 on: July 03, 2016, 07:30:43 PM »
I am profoundly saddened by how this is yet again introducing younger and younger children to sex-based romantic relationships. They're only just out of nappies and they have to put makeup on and get dolled up for their date? Why do you have to teach children so early that the only way to relate to other people is through sex and romance? What if they want to go with their best friend who is the same sex as them in a totally non-datey way, but Mummy and Daddy think it's so cute to have little Tyrone pick them up in a limo, just like a little grown up! Money aside, this kind of socialisation for children is so fucked up.
My first reaction also. I wonder what pedo-perve came up with this.
Also, yeah, what if two little boys wanna be the "couple"? Will people still think it's cute?

meg_shannon

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #13 on: July 03, 2016, 09:22:19 PM »
Can't they just bill it as a Pre-K dance? No need to bring a date, or dress fancy. Just a bunch of little kids dancing and being kids. I bet they would have more fun.

I agree that pushing little kids to have "dates" is ridiculous at best and harmful at worst. At that age my daughter told she would "wait until the government was sleeping and marry all her friends" after I told her that she could only marry one person when she grew up. She had it all planned out, the attic would be covered in mattresses for sleeping, and the parents would take turns feeding everyone. Toddler marriage = one giant sleepover.

mozar

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #14 on: July 04, 2016, 12:19:55 PM »
Love this comment:

Elaine Hines: Stuff like this is why the terrorists want to kill us.

Papa Mustache

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #15 on: July 05, 2016, 12:06:55 PM »
I can see how this sort of thing appeals to some folks but to me it looks like playing dress-up dolls with real kids.

Locally we have a father-daughter dance event that is a big deal to some families.

I've always assumed people are just looking for an opportunity to dress up and show off (in a good way).

Of course a few folks will always take it to new heights of spending with name brand clothing, all day prep at spas and salons, and limos.

Always need a few limos to mark the occasion act like it's a Hollywood event. ;)

Some people are always looking for an opportunity to spend. Clothes, fancy wheels for their car, some sort of toy for the lakes, etc, etc. Good for them. Keeps the economy rolling. ;)

Goldielocks

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #16 on: July 05, 2016, 11:50:03 PM »
Awesome costume dressup dance party would be way more fun!  Think superman and wonderwoman...

Papa Mustache

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #17 on: July 06, 2016, 07:37:56 AM »
That sounds good to me! Went to a costume party a few times. They were a hoot.

MandalayVA

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Re: Toddler Proms are a Thing
« Reply #18 on: July 06, 2016, 07:40:49 AM »
I see the sport of competitive parenting is still thriving.

/eye roll

 

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