<p>I think it’s a fairly big deal. Sort of a right of passage. The kids are usually very mixed about leaving all their friends and starting their independent lives, so there’s certainly an emotional component to the ceremony and all the surrounding activities.
And for most of us parents, it may be the last time our kids really live at home. </p>
<p>Mine didn’t have a party but went to a few. For the most part, they did things with their friends whom they wouldn’t be seeing on a day-to-day basis any longer.<br>
Although I’m surprised how in touch they actually have been with their high school friends through the years. Both of mine are finished with college now, and they still consider their closest high school friends their oldest best-buds. I think that any memories you can create now around the occassion will only serve to keep the ties strong, which is a good thing in this world.</p>