As my two older kids approach high school,I’ve been hearing tons of horror stories about the crazy amounts of money being spent on the prom. There was an article in the USA TODAY a few weeks ago that stated families with teens are spending an average of $1,078 on the prom this year,a number which is up $807 from last year.
Really,for a dance? Add this to what is also already being spent on formals and other dances throughout the year and parents,you can make a few house payments on your mortgage!
When I questioned some parents as to where the money was being spent,I was shocked. Fancy expensive dresses,matching shoes and accessories (that the girls refuse to wear more than once),professional hair and makeup (that also includes a run through,pre-prom,to ensure the teen is happy with is),manicures,pedicures,waxing of the legs,spray tans,flowers,pictures,limos,prom tickets and more. Holy buckets!
It won’t be long until parents are paying as much for the prom as they do a wedding! It’s just another competitive example in our society where the kids feel the need to look better than the rest. That mentality is not only coming from the kids but also some parents who are out to show their status in the community by throwing a ton of money at something where it need not go.
The daughter of one of my neighbor’s recently went to the prom and when I asked how much they spent for her to go,I was pleasantly surprised,they were an anomaly at $200. Their daughter set out to prove a point that you can look great for a fraction of what everyone else is spending. She bought a great looking dress and shoes…cheap,did her own hair,makeup and nails,and borrowed a few flowers from the high school theatre to make her own boutonniere for her date. She looked beautiful and laughed at others who spent a small fortune and thinking they looked the best because of it.
Heck we might as well roll out the red carpet and call in the paparazzi,it will be the battle amongst the parents to see who can get their kid’s picture into PEOPLE Magazine!
www.mommywarriors.com
