teenage son and uncertainty

[fibiray]

My teenage son is currently preparing for his final end of year exams for yr 10(possibly the equivalent to junior high) in which he will continue with his education next year to undertake yrs 11+12 (higher school certificate). My dillema is that he does not wish to attend his high school formal which I think is an important time in his life that he should not miss. He is also keen to finish school once the exams are done which he can do but he will have to make arrangements for his formal (in the form of payment) and his graduation assembly. Should I push him to go to his formal or let him be? I heard someone share from the floor of the meeting the other day that teenagers are growing up in a different environment that I did when i was growing up, and things that were important are no longer relevant to them today. It is an important time and I don't want him to miss out particularly since a lot of his old mates will not be returning next year and he won't see them again. Should I simply accept his choice or make him go? Any suggestions please.

[admin]

I have told all my kids that in High School they really should go to their Junior and Senior Proms. I would hate that afterwards they would regret not going but in the end I leave the choice to them. My oldest daughter did go to her Junior Prom last year and she had a great time. They just recently had their school pictures taken and my oldest daughter, who is a senior this year, did not want to purchase any of them. I questioned her about this a few times and she said no she didn't want any so I didn't buy any but I did tell her that when she takes her cap and gown pictures this year that I do want to buy those - no questions asked and she said ok.

[Doraine]

I had to accept that my youngest daughter did not want to attend her graduation ceremony. I was disappointed but allowed her to make that choice.

[fibiray]

Thanks for the feedback I have chosen to do just that. I am disappointed but ultimately that is his choice, I can only pray that he will attend is final yr 12 formal in 2 yrs time.

cheers