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Final exams, applications for college, tuxedo rentals, ordering pictures, has been part of the end of school year ritual as our kids graduated from high school over the past few years. This year my baby, the last of 3 at 2 year intervals, will be graduating and preparing for university at the same time. It is always an exciting time, I think more so for the parents than the children. Mixed with excitement, is the anxiety brought on by all that has to be accomplished before graduation day. While as parents, we are agonize over all the preparations to be done, our kid is cramming for final exams and takes very little interest in all the fuss surrounding his graduation. It took three months to decide on a graduation pictures from the 18 proofs I received. I wanted them all. Those graduation photographers sure know how to tug at your heart strings and empty your wallet. So I purchased the package and all the proofs.

Surviving these rituals requires careful planning, time management and prioritizing.
Keep a calendar handy, or a big blackboard or white board in an area like the kitchen and bedroom. We use a white board and jot down tasks, reminders or even notes for the kids, they are erased after they are completed. A calendar is also a necessary tool, where you can keep dates and reminders of end of term projects you need to assist with, school concerts, closing ceremonies, final exams along with the regular day to day activities and appointments. Create lists of things to be done in order of priority and post in an easily accessible area.

Don't do it all by yourself. At this time of year, with all that needs to be accomplished, some of us still feel as if we have to do it alone, if it is to be done properly. I felt that way once, but not any more. Tasks are divided between myself and spouse. He handles the university applications, ensuring all the documentation requirements are requested, received and submitted, registration is completed and generally monitoring the progress. Since many of the tasks are time sensitive, it is necessary to have someone in charge of this area. He is also responsible for taking our son to choose his tux and ordering and picking up tickets for the various closing activities. I would look after pictures, purchasing grad gifts, keeping the rest of the extended family in the loop and juggling various day to day tasks which we all share. When our kids were in grade school, there were activities like end of year golf tournaments and numerous

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