Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
clay banks zUf39GDNyzU unsplash?width=719&height=464&fit=crop&auto=webp
clay banks zUf39GDNyzU unsplash?width=398&height=256&fit=crop&auto=webp
/ Unsplash
Life

How to Deal with Your Mother on Graduation Day

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pace chapter.

If you’re like me and you are the last child graduating, it is going to be a lot for your mother to handle. And even if you’re not, this is the first time she may see her little baby as an adult, so let her feel the things she needs to feel; graduation is a big day for everyone, not just you. So keep that in mind as you finish up your final weeks of college and prepare to walk across that stage on the big day. Also keep in mind that graduation is about you and your family, not you and your friends. Sure, your friends have been your ride or die these last four years, but your mother birthed you and dealt with you during your worst years (hello braces and stringy bangs), so show her a little love. Here are a few things to keep in mind come graduation day.

  • Your mom is going to want to take all the pictures…let her. Sure, your cheeks may start to hurt from all the smiling you are doing, but this is a big day for her and she is super proud of you. Let her document the big day to her heart’s content.
  • She is going to cry. And then she is probably going to be pissed that she is crying. Emotions will be running high. Have some tissues handy and enjoy this special moment.
  • If you went to school out of town, your mother will be out of her element. Everyone will be hungry after the ceremony and will look to you for what to do next. Do everyone a favor and make a reservation for somewhere after graduation. This is a great way to show off the place you have lived these past four years.
  • Graduation day is hectic for everyone, for you but most of all your mother. Make a point to tell her exactly where she needs to be and when. If you’re feeling extra, clearly map everything out. You will thank yourself later when you don’t receive frantic texts from your mom 15 minutes before the ceremony.
  • With emotions running high, there is bound to some tension. It’s hard for your mom to see her little baby all grown up. Have a little patience with her and the rest of the family.

Enjoy the day and time with your family. You have busted your butt these last four years so you deserve it! Congratulations grad ;)

Hi, my name's Savannah and I'm an apple living in the big apple. I love red sour patch kids and huge cups of coffee. Always on the look out for good books and new adventures.
Hey there! My name is Alexis and I'm a senior at Pace University where I am double majoring in Peace & Justice Studies and Communication Studies with minor in Women and Gender Studies. I am the Campus Corespondent for Her Campus Pace and love watching our organization grow. I just got back from spending Spring semester in Florence, Italy and traveling throughout Europe for a month this summer. When I'm not running around between school and my internship, I can be found exploring the city with my friends, checking out some art at MoMA, binge watching Gilmore Girls, Friends or whatever new show has caught my attention or planning my next trip. I believe writing is one of the best tools we have for personal expression and activism!