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Encouraging Heroes. You can be one too.

Editor’s note: as a parent who hasn’t gone through sending children to Prom yet, I feel compelled to say that while of course making memories are important, so is staying out of debt. If you can’t pay cash (or better yet, have your teen contribute some dollars) for an extravaganza, don’t make it so big. The stress of debt just isn’t worth it. Perhaps I’d feel different with daughters who were going to the dance, so take the opinion with a grain of salt. And also? Supervise, supervise, supervise. Kids are not adults and they need structure to make good choices. (There’s no salt offered with that part.)
As high school draws to a close, and the responsibilities of the post-graduation ‘real world’ begin to draw near, prom is, for many, the one moment that will be cherished as the peak of their teen years. Make sure you make the prom an extra memorable night, and celebrate the successes and potential of your youth!

Start Right: Dinner At A 5-Star Restaurant

Getting dinner with your prom date can be a great way to start the evening, and ease your way into the big night. And with a full night of dancing and fun that’s sure to come, you’ll want to make sure you’re not running on an empty stomach! While a more upscale chain restaurant might be nice to celebrate holidays and accomplishments with your family and friends, your prom should be an extra special night. Don’t be afraid to splurge on a fancy restaurant like Vlora or a French cuisine spot.

Live It Up: Rent A Limo

Renting a limo might seem like a huge expense, but if you get a bunch of your best friends in on the deal, it’s certainly an affordable luxury. It’ll give you and your best friends a chance to hang out alone before the overpowering music and huge crowds you’ll encounter at the main event, with the added bonus of not having to argue over who has to drive!

Capture The Moment: Have A Photo Shoot

Prom photos are, of course, every bit as important as any other aspect of the prom. However, even if your school does have a photo shoot set up at the event, you might want to consider hiring a photographer and gathering your closest friends and their dates for a pre-party shoot in a scenic area of town. You’ll have a keepsake that you’ll be able to cherish forever, making extra certain it’s a night you never forget!

Don’t Forget The After Party

The end of the dance doesn’t have to be the end of your night. Work with your friends ahead of time to plan an extra fun late night after party. Whether it’s a post-dance hang out session in someone’s basement, or a night of laser tag or rollerskating arranged with a local venue, make sure you keep the party going as long as possible!

Your prom should be a night that you never forget. It’s a night of celebration, excitement, and looking forward to the endless possibilities life has set before you, so make sure you make it special, and make sure you make it your own!

“Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. After graduating from the University of New Mexico she moved to Los Lunas where she now lives and works. When she’s not writing and researching articles you can find her running, biking and hiking. Contact her via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.”

Earnest Parenting: help for parents (sigh) with kids going to Prom.