Hey there, Peachtree City Mamas! Congratulations!! You've made it to Senior Year!! This year is a whirlwind of emotions and milestones for both you and your child. As a local photographer here in Peachtree City, Newnan, and surrounding areas in Georgia, I've documented countless senior moments. To make this year extra special and capture those unforgettable memories, I've put together the ultimate mom's guide to help you prepare for your child's senior year!
Embrace the Journey
Senior year is a rollercoaster of emotions, and that's totally okay! Embrace this exciting journey hand in hand with your child. Take a moment to soak in the memories from their first day of kindergarten to now. Celebrate their biggest achievements, cheer them on during the challenges, and be their biggest cheerleader as they prepare for this next chapter of their lives. Remember, this isn’t just about preparing them for their future; it’s about celebrating every single moment that has led you both here. And when graduation day finally arrives, you'll look back on this incredible journey with a heart overflowing with love and pride.
THIS SUMMER (totally still summer till Sept 23!):
Schedule their senior photo session!
I get it; it might feel like we're jumping the gun here, but believe me, you'll thank yourself later when you enjoy those stunning photos of your child all year round. And the best part? No need to stress about any photo deadlines! As a mom of a high school senior, you know just how quickly time flies by. Graduation will be here before you know it!
To capture these precious moments, you need to start planning for senior photos early on, especially if your senior is involved in lots of sports and extra curricular activities. Take the first step and research local photographers (hint: Meredith Kavanaugh Photography) who specialize in high school seniors right here in Peachtree City, Newnan, and surrounding areas in Georgia. Check out their portfolios to find a photographer whose style and personality truly resonate with both you and your child. Consider if they offer a complimentary family session with any of their session options (we do!). If you want more tips on how to choose a senior photographer, check out my blog series How to Choose Your Senior Photographer.
And guess what? I'm here to make the process even easier for you. Reach out to me through this contact form, and let's set up a complimentary consultation! Together, we'll make sure your senior’s photo experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Quality Time
These last months before graduation is precious, so spend quality time with your senior. Cherish these moments because that big day will come faster than you think. Soon they'll be ready to leave the nest!
College Application Deadlines
Time to think about college applications! Those early admission deadlines can sneak up fast, so it's best to start early and save yourself some stress down the road.
THIS FALL:
College Visits
Hit the road with your senior and visit college campuses or trade schools. It's a fantastic experience that'll help them decide where to go after graduation, plus its extra quality time that you both need…even if they won’t admit it!
Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation letters are essential for college applications. Remind your child to ask teachers, coaches, or mentors early on for these letters. Showing respect by giving ample notice is always a plus!
Applications, Student Aid and Scholarships
Time to fill out those college applications and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA opens in late fall, and it's crucial to get it done. Helping your child with this process is a great support. This is also a great time for your senior to meet with their guidance counselor and find out about all of the available scholarships that might be available for them. I remember earning a scholarship because not only was I qualified, but I was also only one of two people who applied for it! You never know what’s out there until you look!
SAT/ACT Prep
Do you have a senior that is challenged by test taking? I was a great student, but not the best test taker. One of the best things my parents did for me my senior year was to get me in a SAT Prep course. It’s funny to me that the test seems to be more about the strategy of “how” to take it and less about what is actually on the test itself…but I digress… Test scores are a requirement of most schools so give your senior the best chance at their highest score by getting them signed up in a prep course to learn the strategy behind it!
Graduation Announcements
Don't wait until the last minute to order the cap, gown, and graduation announcements. Depending on where you order from, there can often be backlogs or hold ups. Avoid unnecessary stress by giving yourself plenty of cushion time. Here is where you will be thanking yourself for getting those senior photos taken care of already!
Life Skills!
Ok ya’ll, we know it’s not just about laundry…there are so many valuable skills they'll need before heading out on their own. Changing a flat tire, jumping a dead battery, and basic medical care are just a few things to cover. Oh, and let's not forget that calling mom (and dad!) is a must! Talk to your senior about what to do if they face certain challenging situations. Preparing them ahead of time will set them up for success and decrease the chances of failure in the future. What better gift can you give them than that?
THIS SPRING:
Advisor Meeting
Have your child meet with their academic advisor to ensure everything is in order for graduation. If something is amiss, figure it out quickly. The last thing you want is a last-minute surprise that will keep them from graduating! Make it your child’s responsibility, but help them advocate for themselves if needed. This is great practice for future independence.
SPRING BREAK
This is the perfect opportunity for some quality family time before your child ventures off to college. Whether you opt for a relaxing staycation or embark on an adventure to Europe or a warm tropical paradise, this is your chance to create lasting memories together. Strengthen those family ties and savor those moments. Having them to look back on will do your heart good when you are missing them next year!
Announcements
Three weeks before graduation, send out those beautiful graduation announcements. I love seeing all my family members, my friends’ kids, and my own clients showing off who they are with their senior pictures. I’ll be honest, I also get a little extra excited when I receive announcements covered in photos I took. It’s fun showing my girls who mommy worked with over the last year.
Plan a Graduation Party
This is such an amazing way to show off your senior and celebrate with family and friends. Keep it simple and spend your time celebrating your senior's achievement. It might get a bit stressful, but remember, it's all about your amazing senior. Another thing to think about here is invitations. Many in the graduations in the Peachtree City/Newnan/Fayetteville area fall around Memorial Day weekend. If you are planning a graduation party that same weekend, be sure to let your guests know well in advance so they are able to make plans to attend. OR you could also plan the party for a later date when you know everyone will be in town and can make it to celebrate your senior.
Thank You’s
Don't forget to remind your child to thank their teachers and coaches for all their hard work and support. It's a thankless job sometimes, but their dedication makes a difference and them receiving thank you’s, especially handwritten, go way further than you’d think.
The Steamer is Your Friend!!
Don't wait until the last minute to open that gown and have your senior try it on. You'll likely notice a TON of wrinkles/creases from it being folded up. If you don't want those to be a big distraction and steal the show in all of those photos on graduation day, take some time to use a steamer to get them out. It does sometimes take a bit, but its quite worth it for your senior to look their best and be the center of the show on graduation day, not all those creases!
Senior Trip
Plan a special senior trip with or for your senior. Let them give some input, but if they need you to, take the reins and make it an unforgettable experience. This trip is a rite of passage, celebrating their transition from high school to adulthood.
Ok Mamas, get ready for an extraordinary senior year with your child! This ultimate mom's guide will help you navigate through the exciting journey with a bit less stress. As your local senior photographer, I'm here to capture these precious moments for you to cherish for a lifetime. From senior photos to graduation announcements, I'm honored to be part of your journey. Let's make this year one filled with love, fun, and unforgettable memories!
