My daughter's school decided to do away with the Prom this year in the wave of all the local layoffs. At first the studests were not real incline of this untill , the lastest factory laid off 250 more empolyees. The students and the facualty got together and came up with a plan. They are having a dance, but it will be like a summer outdoor concert. There will no formals and limos, just summer attire. A whole lot of the local bussiness are staying open late for the youth to dine and visit. They are also giving discounts to the kids. I am really impressed with our youth today and how they adaptted to the current finaical crisis our country in is.

Proud Parent

My son goes to a public high school where the student parking area has much nicer cars than the teachers. Today teens want limos, upscale restuarants, expensive clothes for the prom when the older generation managed to have fun without that. When the parents subsidize this, the kids expect wonderful experiences their whole life and are disappointed with reality when they grow up. If the kids pay for this, it does bother me that they are spending a lot of time working to pay for this instead of spending more time on their studies or saving for college. Then the parents go crying for financial aid & scholarships, when if they had spent less on this type of thing, they might have more available for college. These kind of distractions are one of the reaons the children of China & India will be better educated than our children.

I gave a like new brides maids dress to the young lady that lived down stairs from me. It was simple cut but formal. I found out later that not only did she ware it but she let her friend borrow it for another prom on another night. Her parents (working class) were very thankfull not to have to worry about that cost and I got rid of a closet space waster. My own proms (I went to 4) I split the cost with my mom. She was a single mother and could not afford the best of the best but I managed to have a good time and look good doing it.

My daughter just had her prom last week. We planned far ahead and kept our eyes open for sales and specials. We went to Goodwill and other second hand stores. The dress she found was discounted because it had some loose beads and was discontinued. We made her jewelry with beads that matched her dress. I called around and found a limo company that reduced the price if I paid cash, so each of the 14 kids paid less than $50 to get there safely (our state doesn't allow under 18 drivers to have other minors in the car with them). They all split the dinner bill at a restaurant that was nice but low cost. All of the parents met at our house and took pictures there so the kids wouldn't have to pay for pictures at prom. Not only did she have a fantastic time, but she learned the importance of staying within a budget and how to cut costs. She works hard at school and devotes most of her spare time volunteering for our community. I would much rather give her wonderful high school memories than have her regret not going. She'll have plenty of time to be an adult, so I'm letting her enjoy the last couple of years of being a kid!

Last year was my daughter's Junior Prom (the important one, at our high school) and we did help her with $ for an expensive big poufy dress. I was glad to be able to do it; she works, knows the value of money, and was extremely appreciative. This year, she bought her dress for $44 - a little cocktail-type party dress that is versatile & she'll be able to use in the future - and, at our community's school-sanctioned after-party, which features door prizes, she won $75.00! Her group of friends all contributed to a pot-luck dinner beforehand, which was relaxed and wallet-friendly. She did have the expense of her date's boutonniere, but all in all, I think this year she MADE money on Prom! :)

I agree that kids are handed too many things - but, if you can afford it, it is a joy to be able to splurge occasionally for them, and it is gratifying when your gesture is appreciated.

My son is going to the prom at another school.We rented the tux, buying the flowers and am paying for supper.He doesnt have a job, doesnt really care.I dont mind helping some body if they help themselves.I am against it but my wife is all for it. As for as I know there hasnt been even a thank you. Tuff for me.

i didn't go to prom cuz prom is stupid

I've read through a lot of the comments about the 'Prom Thing' and noticed one huge thing that's pretty cool. I'm seeing parents and kids working together (and in some cases, the communities & businesses) to make a more affordable prom experience for the kids.

I salute you all for having neat innovative and cost saving ideas you're implementing. I agree that costs can easily get in the way but it's important for the kids to have the experience.

Sharing responsibilities and costs is a huge step toward maturity, accountability and the makings of some great young adults.

Keep up the good work America!

MB Crandell

What's wrong with the old prom? get committees to decorate, sell tickets, hire a great DJ, do it in the gym, etc. I have never understood how this has gotten so out of hand. We had alot of fun at prom and after-prom parties that were even more fun! No one needs a Vera Wang prom dress and a $300. dinner (that most kids don't eat, anyway), etc.

I went overboard for my son's prom. (1988) I did not want him driving so I hired a Limo for he and his date and two other couples. I did get some money from the other parents. His white tux and top hat and cane was costly but what memories I have. He did pay for the dinner before the prom and her wrist corsage (grocery sacker at Krogers on the week-ends) Now he is thru college with an MBA, married and father of two. Daughter's was less. Dress was on sale at Dillards as were the shoes on sale. Total bill was 118.00. I would do it again, even in today's times. I needed the Memories and so did they.

In high school I worked two part time jobs to pay for my stuff. In my Prom Career I've attended 8. I spent some serious coin on the first two. I've learned my lesson. I went on Ebay and found some baller Lacoste dinner jackets, and matching vests. Being the thrifty college student/ recreational drug user that I am, I was able to craft my own corsage's using some flowers,ribbon, and wire. There is nothing that an imagination and tetrahydro-cannibol, and a little determination cannot concoct. For you old timers out there; Remember in your youth, saving your nickles and dimes for records, hairspray, and cheap polyester jackets? For this generation, Prom to some kids are those exact things. The economy is down, so what! Whats the purpose of saving for something If your never going to use it on something. For my generation; Our lives don't start until we're usually around twenty-two, or whenever they choose to graduate from college. Let us have fun, If you could get off your rockers, and put down the newspapers you would realize things are not as bad as they seem. They never are.

Respectfully Yours,

Washington Irving

Okay folks not all teens are brats who have Mommy and Daddy pay for everything. I graduated last year and attended Senior Ball. I paid for everything out of pocket, because I saved all of my money and did not spend like too many of the other teens do.

Much like everyone else, in the 70s when I went to prom I had a job. I earned the money to take my girlfriend to prom. I asked that my parent's allow me to drive their nice car to prom, asked! I think kids need to be kids, but handing them everything is setting them up for major disappointment. Where is the lesson in responsibility, and what do they learn about real life? Nothing, so taking those first steps into adult hood will be a harsh slap in the face. There's nothing wrong with helping them enjoy this time, while still teaching them value and responsibility, 50/50 sure seems fair. We all get upset at the banks and Insurance companies for their lavish parties, and handing out cash for nothing more then making the grade. Are we not teaching this by saying, they're kids and they deserve all these things? We want others to work for our money, so we need to teach our kids how to build for a better future, and a stronger economy. It’s not someone else’s job to teach them once they leave the nest, no one else is going to bail them out.

I'm cutting back on my prom, so that I can pay off the $18,000 in debt for me (so far) that congress porked through.

Whomever pays for it, I think it's important to set reasonable limits. There's no reason a dress needs to be outrageously expensive. There's no call for designer shoes and handbags. No girl needs extensions (want long hair for prom? Start growing it earlier in the year!). Limos are unecessary - what happened to boys borrowing Dad's car? Parents concerned about drinking and driving? I am a huge fan of the after-prom lock-in parties that a lot of PTAs have planned to keep kids in a safe place all night, where they can have fun without being in danger. It's a dance...not a wedding, not the last big event of the kids' lives.

my mom pays for my stuff but i don't like to spend a lot of my parents money i get nice cheap stuff and i hate dances and i help out with a lot of people just because i am a kid doesn't mean i am spoiled my mom might buy me some stuff but it isn't any toys or any jewelry its school supplies and clothes.... only if i need it

just because i am a kid i AM NOT SPOILED and i hate how you guys are complaining that kids are so spoiled

not all kids are and i would like if you could say most kids are spoiled instead of all kids

I paid for my prom, dress, shoes, accessories, hair and nails, part of the limo, and everything that went into it. My job also was to get good grades in school, but I knew that it was also my responsibility to pay for my prom gear. My mom was glad to pay, but it was not her responsibility. A prom is a luxury, not a necessity. If a child wants to go to the prom they should put up the majority of the money. That's a balanced kid..educated and able to pay for all the things that I wanted. My mom supplied with things that I needed, and I bought the things I wanted. Kids need to learn the difference.

Much like everyone else, in the 70s when I went to prom I had a job. I earned the money to take my girlfriend to prom. I asked that my parent's allow me to drive their nice car to prom, asked! I think kids need to be kids, but handing them everything is setting them up for major disappointment. Where is the lesson in responsibility, and what do they learn about real life? Nothing, so taking those first steps into adult hood will be a harsh slap in the face. There's nothing wrong with helping them enjoy this time, while still teaching them value and responsibility, 50/50 sure seems fair. We all get upset at the banks and Insurance companies for their lavish parties, and handing out cash for nothing more then making the grade. Are we not teaching this by saying, they're kids and they deserve all these things? We want others to work for our money, so we need to teach our kids how to build for a better future, and a stronger economy. It’s not someone else’s job to teach them once they leave the nest, no one else is going to bail them out.

I am a high school senior who has tested out of highschool early and am attending college. I work 2 jobs part time and do some side work in my spare time. I live with a single parent. Money has never been there for me. However My mom has always helped me a bit, but never completely. I find that students from my highschool who have been spoonfed never really understand the concept of budgeting or the reality that money is spawned from work. Sure they had the nice cars and fancy clothes, but as soon as they are released the financial tit that they have been sucking on for the past 18-22 years, they are dumbstruck. Realizing that one has to work for what they want at that stage in life is too late. Parents should help their children to an extent, help them, but at the same time, install the concept of hard work and finance in them at an early age.

I will definitely pay for my daughter's senior prom. That is a special time in a teenager's life and that is one thing that insist on paying for. Times are tough and money is tight, but I am willing to make sacrifices to make this a memorable event for her. My daughter knows the value of a dollar and she never takes the things I give her for granted. She rarely asks for anything and this happens to be the one thing that she has asked for. There are a lot of spoiled children these days, however...paying for prom does not make for a spoiled child. Spend what you can afford.

I agree that society and television have contributed to the expense of prom and other types of parties for teenagers. And I understand what some of you are saying as far as wanting it to be a good memory for your children but honestly, how many of you still look back on your prom and think of it as "the best night ever?" I attended 4 proms because my boyfriend went to a different high school and not one of them really stands out in my mind. Obviously it is something I feel like everyone should experience but not to the point where it is costing a ton of money. Since the style of dresses now is more similar to that of the 80's some of the best dresses can be found at vintage stores or thrift shops. Obviously some alterations may have to be done but in the long run it may be less expensive than buying a brand new dress. With a dress that you are only going to wear one time I feel as a parent it should not cost an arm and a leg.

After reading all of these posts I can definately see both sides. Should students have to pay for their whole social life?...prom?... I'm a high school senior. Working and going to highschool is HARD! Especially if you take honors classes (which is my situation) but to face the fact of life...some people have to do it. I do. If a parent can afford to give their child what they 'deserve', as in paying for all expenses necessary and otherwise, well then that is just one of those situations where we all have to remember that life isn't fair. Some people come from privilage, and others do not. I pay for what I want, but my parents do give me a loving home, and meals everyday. Some students can not say this much. Everyone benefits from understanding the true value of what their wants are worth, but some just have to pull their wieght and be introduced to reality a little quicker.

See, the main problem is that teens really aren't cutting back on the actual costs of prom. The problem isn't that parents are paying for their kid's prom costs, the problem is that the costs haven't been adjusted much for the recession. For our school's prom, we had to pay $100 just to get in. The prom committee really wasn't thinking realistically when they decided instead of holding prom on campus or even in town, they decided to hold prom at a nice convention center with a great view overlooking Lake Michigan and Milwaukee. You throw that in with other normal prom costs and you're looking at between $250-$350, which is expensive for the current recession and family incomes.

Ehh, I've never really been all that enthused by Prom, but I heard that not too many students were at my school's prom this year... I dinna realise it was a trend, tho!

The absolute biggest costs for prom are those you cannot predict, such as replacing the family car after an accident, fines and bail for underage drinking and dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. It would be most effective if assurances were made to help prevent such things from occuring.