A Special Graduation Gift That Takes 13 Years to Make

The end of the school year is approaching and while I enjoy going through end of the year papers and reflecting back on the growth that happened over the past 9 months, I also look forward to my annual end-of-school tradition.

Step 1

Head over to your local bookstore or Amazon and get a copy of Oh! The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. If you are unfamiliar with it, it’s a wonderful book about looking towards the future and beginning a new adventure. The best time to buy this book is before your child finishes kindergarten. The second best time is right now.

Step 2

As the school year winds down, drop the book at school for your child’s teacher along with a note asking them to write their insights about your child’s talents or personality and some well wishes.

Step 3

Store it in a safe place so that you can find it again next year.

Step 4

Wrap it up and give it to your child at their high school graduation. It’s amazing to look at the notes throughout the years and see the many consistencies about their personality and gifts.

As kids become adults, it can be easy to lose touch with the foundation of who they are. Looking back at these comments can jolt them back to the child they once were.

I have been doing this for my daughter since she was in preschool and it’s astounding how similar the comments are. When she turns 18 and is ready to head out and blaze her own path, I hope this serves as a constant reminder of all the places she can go if she remembers who she always was and who she is meant to be.

“You have brains in your head you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Dr. Seuss