Jelly-o marshmallow candy ice cream. Chocolate cake topping cupcake gingerbread tiramisu gummi bears cake soufflé jelly.
Preparing for a high school dance can be both exciting and challenging for parents, so I have created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate every step of the process. As a mom who’s been through high school dance seasons several times, I’ve learned over the years that it’s an important event for teens that definitely requires some planning. Here’s how you can help your teen have a fantastic, safe, and memorable dance experience. Be sure to scroll down to the end of this post to download my School Dance Checklist.
Start with a Conversation: Is the Dance for Them?
Before getting into the details, talk with your teen about whether they genuinely want to attend the dance. Some are excited about dressing up and having a night out, while others might feel uninterested or pressured. It’s important to let them know that it’s okay not to go if they don’t want to attend.
High school dances are also an opportunity to teach your teen about social etiquette. Encourage them to ask their date in person rather than through a text. It’s a small gesture that shows confidence and respect.
Discussing Dance Plans
If they decide to go, discuss the evening’s plans, including their group, transportation, and return time. Emphasize safety, whether they’re driving or carpooling. Make sure they understand rules like following curfews, wearing seat belts, and cell phone safety while driving. For younger teens, like ninth graders, it’s often necessary for parents to help with transportation, so be clear about those arrangements.
Teens often have good intentions when planning, but coordinating a large group can be challenging. Coordinate with other parents to ensure everyone is on the same page about dinner reservations, transportation, photos, and afterparty plans. A quick text or call can clarify details and help the night run smoothly, ensuring everyone’s safety. Personally, I’ve found that it’s really helpful to talk with other parents about the night when preparing for a high school dance. Even if it’s a quick text to confirm the order of events and curfew time.
High school dances often require more preparation than you might expect, so it’s best to start early. This includes making dinner reservations if your teen plans to eat out with their group, as popular spots fill up quickly. Boys may need a haircut or new shirt, while girls often shop for dresses. Consider ordering dresses online and returning what doesn’t work. Be sure that shoes and accessories are planned out and ready to go.
It’s important that your teen feels confident and comfortable in their outfit. For girls, find a dress that fits well and follows the school’s dress code. For boys, this means a sharp suit or blazer with well-fitting shoes. Comfort is also key—dances can be long, and no one wants to spend the evening in shoes that are too tight or a dress that’s hard to move in. Encourage your teen to break in new shoes ahead of time and for girls consider packing a pair of flats if they’re wearing heels.
Selecting flowers for a high school dance is a nice tradition that adds a special touch to the evening. While wrist corsages and boutonnières are the classic choice, small hand-held bouquets for girls are becoming a popular alternative. Encourage your son to take the lead by asking his date what color flowers she prefers or what color her dress is, so he can coordinate the arrangement. Picking up the corsage or bouquet himself is a practical way to teach responsibility and thoughtfulness. For girls, be sure that they order a coordinating boutonnière for her dance date.
Night of the Dance Photos
One of the most enjoyable traditions is taking group photos before the dance. Whether you choose to host this at your house, another friend’s home, or at a scenic local spot, it’s a great way to capture the memories. Make sure to communicate with your teen and the other parents to agree on the best location and time.
Hosting an After-Party at Home: Tips for a Memorable Night
When preparing for a high school dance afterparty, planning for refreshments is key! Plan a sophisticated yet kid-friendly menu. It’s also great to have a table and chairs set up for the kids to hang out and enjoy their refreshments. Here’s a curated list:
Encourage parents to collaborate on purchasing and preparing items or to drop them off at the host’s house. This makes preparing for a high school dance stress-free and enjoyable for everyone. I’ve linked all of my favorite items for this area in each section.
For a lively atmosphere, include a mix of outdoor and indoor games. Outdoor options like cornhole or giant Jenga are great for encouraging friendly competition and laughter. If the weather isn’t cooperating or if you want to keep things inside, consider setting up indoor activities like ping pong or karaoke.
A well-stocked snack station is a must for any teen party. Think mini sandwiches, chips, fruit skewers, and veggies with dip. These options are easy to grab and keep everyone fueled up for hours of fun. Arrange the snacks in a way that’s visually appealing and easy to access, keeping the setup simple and convenient.
Provide a variety of drinks for party guests. Water, soda, and lemonade are perfect choices. Consider setting up a self-serve beverage station where teens can help themselves, adding a fun, independent element to the gathering. Glass Bottle cokes are fun- and a big tub of ice of individual drinks is the perfect setup for teens! The mini cans of coke and sprite are also great for parties.
A hangout area is perfect for when teens want to take a break from the main activities. Set up some seating where they can relax, chat, and enjoy a quieter moment with friends. This space gives them a chance to unwind and enjoy the party refreshments.
Get your teen involved in creating a music playlist tailored to their friends’ tastes. Having them take charge of the music ensures the playlist will be a hit. Plus, it’s a great way for them to feel more involved in the planning process.
Simple yet effective decorations can transform your party space. String lights, lanterns, and balloons are easy to set up and create a festive, inviting atmosphere.
Create a self-serve goodies table with items like glow sticks, small bags of candy, and chips or pretzels. This gives guests easy access to snacks and fun items throughout the night. A cookie cake sliced and ready to go would also be a party hit for teens!
Make clean-up easy by setting up a small dedicated area with trash bags and paper towels. This not only helps keep the space tidy throughout the party.
For older high school students, particularly juniors and seniors, a traditional home party after a dance might seem a bit too “extra.” At this stage, they might prefer to go out after the dance on their own. Consider suggesting alternative options that are safe and fun while also cater to their independence. Be sure to make reservations for these outings:
If they do decide to have a home party, reassure them that you’ll respect their space and stay behind the scenes.
It’s essential to talk to your teen about making good choices on dance night. High school can bring pressures, including the temptation of alcohol or risky behavior. Remind your teen that they can always call home if they find themselves in a situation where they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Let them know you’re just a phone call away, no matter the time or place. This is always an ongoing conversation at our house, and on the night of a dance- it’s always important to emphasize.
High school dances are memorable experiences for your teen. By staying involved and communicating openly with your teen and other parents, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable night. Your support and preparation make a significant difference in their experience. I’ve linked some items here that I hope will be helpful when preparing for this fun teen milestone.
I’ve created a handy checklist of must-do items for dance prep— I hope it will be helpful when preparing for your upcoming high school dance!
Download Here : High School Dance Prep Checklist
When it comes to picking out the perfect holiday gift for girls ages 6-10, we all want something that stands the test of time—those sweet, classic gifts that never go out of style. As a mom of four, I’ve had so much fun coming up with a list of items for the holidays. Mixing classic gifts with a few trendy surprises makes shopping for girls extra special. A timeless bicycle or dollhouse sparks their imagination in a way that never gets old, while something fun like a Squishmallows Clue game or colorful Crocs adds a playful touch. For girls ages 6-10, these thoughtful gifts blend creativity and pure joy, making every birthday or Christmas feel magical.
There’s something charming about a gift that lets a girl’s imagination run wild. Craft kits inspire that creativity perfectly. The Lite-Brite Ultimate Classic is a fun throwback, with its glowing lights and endless design possibilities. Girls can spend hours creating twinkling pictures—it was one of my favorite childhood toys!
If she’s a budding artist, the Spirograph Design Set is a must. This classic set allows her to create intricate, magical patterns. For future fashion designers, the Fashion Plates Deluxe Kit helps her design stylish creations.
For girls ages 6-10 who love to paint, the Kid Made Modern Studio in a Box is fantastic. It’s a step up from preschool kits, offering high-quality art supplies like paints, markers, pencils, and brushes. This kit is perfect for budding artists ready to explore more advanced projects, from painting canvases to sketching.
For something more specialized, the Crayola Light-Up Tracing Pad is another great choice. With its backlit tracing feature, she can create layered, detailed drawings. It’s both fun and functional, helping her refine her artistic skills while sparking hours of creativity. These gifts will inspire endless artistic fun and give her something she’ll proudly display!
For girls aged 6-10, classic chapter books make thoughtful and timeless holiday gifts that encourage a love of reading. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace is a perfect choice, offering stories of friendship and the simple joys of childhood. These books are ideal for cozy winter reading, making them a delightful gift to unwrap during the holidays.
Another great option is Nothing’s Fair in Fifth Grade by Barthe DeClements, a relatable and heartwarming story that can spark meaningful conversations about friendships and growing up. Paired with a cozy blanket or a fun bookmark, it becomes an even more special holiday treat.
For a more classic touch, consider Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery or The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Both stories offer a sense of adventure and self-discovery, perfect for young readers to dive into during the holiday break. Giving these books as gifts can inspire a lifelong love of reading, and they’re treasures that can be passed down for generations.
For those girls who love to be outdoors, we can certainly go beyond the usual bikes and roller skates (though they’re always fun!). Instead, let’s take it up a notch with something a little more unique. The Flybar Foam Master Pogo Stick is the perfect way for girls to get moving while having a blast in the backyard. Pair it with other active gift ideas like a new bike, complete with a helmet for safety, or a scooter that can provide hours of outdoor fun. Roller skates are another exciting option, offering a classic way for kids to stay active while mastering balance and coordination. In addition, a tumbling mat encourages safe flips, rolls, and cartwheels—perfect for the budding gymnast or anyone who loves to move! These gifts inspire physical activity and make great additions to a holiday gift list for kids who love adventure.
What girl doesn’t love a cozy sweater or fun accessories to complement her wardrobe? In this ultimate gift guide for girls, a soft, colorful sweater makes the perfect gift for chilly days, offering both warmth and style. Crossbody bags in cute colors add a trendy touch, giving her a stylish way to carry essentials. Pair that with cute boots or ever-popular Squishmallow Crocs, and her footwear will be as adorable as it is comfy. For extra warmth, a Patagonia Kids’ Fleece jacket in soft pinks or lavenders is a go-to layering piece. Don’t forget cozy slippers for those cold winter mornings—ideal for lounging at home. These gifts bring together style and comfort, perfect for any girl who loves practical yet fun fashion.
If she’s heading off to a sleepover or even a weekend at Grandma’s, a cute and functional duffle bag is the perfect gift. Duffle Bags in a fun floral print are both practical and pretty. With vibrant colors and girly designs, it’s a classic that will grow with her over the years. Make sure that it’s roomy enough for all her essentials. This gift has timeless appeal that’ll take her from playdates to family trips for years to come.
Personalized gifts offer a wonderful way to celebrate the individuality of girls aged 7-10. With a wide array of options, from custom jewelry to personalized name penants, these unique treasures can make holiday gifts even more memorable. Each item can be tailored to reflect her interests, hobbies, or name, adding a personal touch that shows thoughtfulness and care. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind necklace that she can wear proudly or a customized sweatshirt to keep her cozy, personalized gifts are perfect for creating lasting memories that she will cherish for years to come.
The best gifts for girls ages 6-10 are the ones that stick around for more than just a season. By choosing classic, timeless items, you’re not only giving them a present to enjoy right now, but something they’ll cherish for years. Whether it’s a girly outdoor toy, a classic sweater, or a creative craft kit, these gifts are sure to bring joy and create lasting memories.
So, whether you’re shopping for Christmas or just want to spoil the little girl in your life, this ultimate gift guide for girls ages 6-10 has you covered with classics that stand the test of time.
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