Teh One Who Knocks
06-28-2016, 12:03 PM
By Lisa Gutierrez - The Kansas City Star
http://i.imgur.com/4fIuZuk.jpg
The limo. The gown. The tux. The corsage. The red carpet.
Wow, that sure looks like a high school prom. Except for one tiny thing: These prom-goers can’t even read.
In a trend that has some parents shelling out hundreds of dollars and others scratching their heads, schools across the country are hosting proms for toddlers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When your niece is off to her Pre-K prom and she has 3 dates waiting for her 🙃😢 they grow up so fast <a href="https://t.co/4ANnsBZbk1">pic.twitter.com/4ANnsBZbk1</a></p>— ✨ (@SupTifff) <a href="https://twitter.com/SupTifff/status/746361746709975040">June 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFopg_Awspn/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">So this is happening! My little girl is going to prom😱...but prek prom that is! We are celebrating completing prek...it should be fun! Has anyone else had this for prek? What would you dress your little one in❓❗️ did your child do this? 💚 Esta noche mi niña tiene una fiesta en su prekinder para celebrar que ya completo el prekinder! Es formal también! Que le pondría a su niña❗️❓ que tan elegante la llevaria❓Alguien mas a hecho esto?. . . . . #happymama #blessed #bendecida #mamafeliz #eastcobbmoms #eastcobb #SAHM #atlanta #atl #roswellga #itworks #latina #colombiana #venezolana #americana #prom #prekprom #prek #prekinder #fun #formal #fancydress #invitation #pink #itworks #photooftheday #picoftheday</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Jackie Early (@itworksjackie) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-05-20T16:05:36+00:00">May 20, 2016 at 9:05am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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Parents and schools are posting photos of the tykes in their prom finery on Facebook and Twitter. Last month the school district in Belton, Texas, posted on its Facebook page a photo album of toddlers dressed in fancy party dresses and tuxes at their “Enchanted Evening” prom.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It was an enchanted evening for BECS Pre-K students at last night's prom. View more photos: <a href="https://t.co/vZAW91z5wA">https://t.co/vZAW91z5wA</a> <a href="https://t.co/xWuA1KkMWh">pic.twitter.com/xWuA1KkMWh</a></p>— BeltonISD (@BeltonISD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeltonISD/status/731608980833767424">May 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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“Pre-k proms are gaining in popularity,” warns the Scary Mommy blog. “To those of you who can barely find a matching pair of PJ’s for the dreaded preschool theme days, get your (act) together! Next year you may need to find tuxes and prom gowns.”
These pint-sized parties have all the trappings of their high-school counterparts.
The red carpet!
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGOABcShFRo/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Prom ready!!!! #preschoolprom #preschoolprom</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Shug Mays-Sparks (@greaterachievement) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-06-04T04:14:10+00:00">Jun 3, 2016 at 9:14pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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The limo ride!
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDHa7AdP_jB/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">On the way to the prek prom #prom2k16 #prekprom #promready2016 #promkillers</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Ms. Quita (@bj_and_jazmommy) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-03-19T01:20:21+00:00">Mar 18, 2016 at 6:20pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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The fancy ties and tuxes (or tux T-shirts)!
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGhCaMtTbQk/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I could gobble him up. #prekprom #realmenwearpink</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Jorie Mark (@storyjorie) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-06-11T13:40:36+00:00">Jun 11, 2016 at 6:40am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGsbM7WLOmr/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Fly Guy. Prom King of Pre-K!! Love him so much!! 🚀🔥💯👑👑👑👑👑👑 #prom #promking #flyguy #fly #2016 #king #nyc #prek #graduation #suit #cutekid #flykid #kids #fashion #classicman #red #glasses #cutestkid #love #family #children #bowtie #gotjr #gg #ezra @mrsgot @gotgang212</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by The Madame GotGang (@themadamenyc) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-06-15T23:48:53+00:00">Jun 15, 2016 at 4:48pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sending my baby to Pre-K prom .. Yes I cried <a href="https://t.co/HUMRejQsuH">pic.twitter.com/HUMRejQsuH</a></p>— Emily Kirst✨ (@emilyyy077) <a href="https://twitter.com/emilyyy077/status/735560116678856704">May 25, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The dresses!
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFpfjr1JNNA/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Velour & Roses Bombshell 💣 | Prom dress I made for this cutie's pre-K prom • #velour #prom dress #promgown #prom2k16 #share #viral #prombaddies #slay #prom2016 #prekprom #seamstress #prettygirlssew #kidswear #designer</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by @glenndoraporter on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-05-20T23:57:50+00:00">May 20, 2016 at 4:57pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So my niece had pre k prom today 😩😍😢 she's really the cutest <a href="https://t.co/Mkp6tA2uK9">pic.twitter.com/Mkp6tA2uK9</a></p>— ki (@royal__ki) <a href="https://twitter.com/royal__ki/status/743885346837045248">June 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MY COUSIN'S PRE-K PROM I aM IN TEARS <a href="https://t.co/CU67yjMACx">pic.twitter.com/CU67yjMACx</a></p>— ted bundy (@pearl_ham) <a href="https://twitter.com/pearl_ham/status/738932029392334848">June 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The dancing!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Continuation of the prom Pre-K <a href="https://t.co/v3k8w5u48c">pic.twitter.com/v3k8w5u48c</a></p>— johnson&johnson (@Mrs220x3) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mrs220x3/status/745394793253998592">June 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The king and queen, of course.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nicholas named prom king at pre k prom 😭😭😭 <a href="https://t.co/ZBODiixW6W">pic.twitter.com/ZBODiixW6W</a></p>— Danye (@DaniellePanizzi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniellePanizzi/status/738483426890747904">June 2, 2016</a></blockquote>
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“It’s adorable. Girls dancing with girls, boys running around,” New York mom Lisbeth Morales told CBS New York.
But child psychologist Sanam Hafeez worries that this is a case of children growing up too soon. Besides, she wondered, what will they have to look forward to in high school?
“Some of the pictures that I saw were low-cut gowns, you know, getting their hair done, putting makeup on,” Hafeez told CBS New York.
“One of the biggest consequences is that you are missing out on the innocence of childhood; of just playing around, and not having to think about what people think of you, about what your hair looks like, or if this dress makes you look fat.”
Pre-K prom seems to be a do-over for parents like Morales, who missed out on her own senior prom because of an “overprotective mom.”
And for this prom, at least, the guys can skip the elaborate “promposal” to win a date.
Mommy always says yes.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heading to pre-k prom with this handsome guy! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/boymom?src=hash">#boymom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/datenight?src=hash">#datenight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pre?src=hash">#pre</a>-k <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/prom?src=hash">#prom</a> <a href="https://t.co/ASktCuKRaX">https://t.co/ASktCuKRaX</a> <a href="https://t.co/bczIrGHrjI">pic.twitter.com/bczIrGHrjI</a></p>— Danielle Reeves (@Busymomshelper) <a href="https://twitter.com/Busymomshelper/status/733441862246273025">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote>
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http://i.imgur.com/4fIuZuk.jpg
The limo. The gown. The tux. The corsage. The red carpet.
Wow, that sure looks like a high school prom. Except for one tiny thing: These prom-goers can’t even read.
In a trend that has some parents shelling out hundreds of dollars and others scratching their heads, schools across the country are hosting proms for toddlers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When your niece is off to her Pre-K prom and she has 3 dates waiting for her 🙃😢 they grow up so fast <a href="https://t.co/4ANnsBZbk1">pic.twitter.com/4ANnsBZbk1</a></p>— ✨ (@SupTifff) <a href="https://twitter.com/SupTifff/status/746361746709975040">June 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFopg_Awspn/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">So this is happening! My little girl is going to prom😱...but prek prom that is! We are celebrating completing prek...it should be fun! Has anyone else had this for prek? What would you dress your little one in❓❗️ did your child do this? 💚 Esta noche mi niña tiene una fiesta en su prekinder para celebrar que ya completo el prekinder! Es formal también! Que le pondría a su niña❗️❓ que tan elegante la llevaria❓Alguien mas a hecho esto?. . . . . #happymama #blessed #bendecida #mamafeliz #eastcobbmoms #eastcobb #SAHM #atlanta #atl #roswellga #itworks #latina #colombiana #venezolana #americana #prom #prekprom #prek #prekinder #fun #formal #fancydress #invitation #pink #itworks #photooftheday #picoftheday</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Jackie Early (@itworksjackie) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-05-20T16:05:36+00:00">May 20, 2016 at 9:05am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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Parents and schools are posting photos of the tykes in their prom finery on Facebook and Twitter. Last month the school district in Belton, Texas, posted on its Facebook page a photo album of toddlers dressed in fancy party dresses and tuxes at their “Enchanted Evening” prom.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It was an enchanted evening for BECS Pre-K students at last night's prom. View more photos: <a href="https://t.co/vZAW91z5wA">https://t.co/vZAW91z5wA</a> <a href="https://t.co/xWuA1KkMWh">pic.twitter.com/xWuA1KkMWh</a></p>— BeltonISD (@BeltonISD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeltonISD/status/731608980833767424">May 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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“Pre-k proms are gaining in popularity,” warns the Scary Mommy blog. “To those of you who can barely find a matching pair of PJ’s for the dreaded preschool theme days, get your (act) together! Next year you may need to find tuxes and prom gowns.”
These pint-sized parties have all the trappings of their high-school counterparts.
The red carpet!
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGOABcShFRo/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Prom ready!!!! #preschoolprom #preschoolprom</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Shug Mays-Sparks (@greaterachievement) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-06-04T04:14:10+00:00">Jun 3, 2016 at 9:14pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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The limo ride!
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDHa7AdP_jB/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">On the way to the prek prom #prom2k16 #prekprom #promready2016 #promkillers</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Ms. Quita (@bj_and_jazmommy) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-03-19T01:20:21+00:00">Mar 18, 2016 at 6:20pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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The fancy ties and tuxes (or tux T-shirts)!
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGhCaMtTbQk/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I could gobble him up. #prekprom #realmenwearpink</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Jorie Mark (@storyjorie) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-06-11T13:40:36+00:00">Jun 11, 2016 at 6:40am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BGsbM7WLOmr/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Fly Guy. Prom King of Pre-K!! Love him so much!! 🚀🔥💯👑👑👑👑👑👑 #prom #promking #flyguy #fly #2016 #king #nyc #prek #graduation #suit #cutekid #flykid #kids #fashion #classicman #red #glasses #cutestkid #love #family #children #bowtie #gotjr #gg #ezra @mrsgot @gotgang212</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by The Madame GotGang (@themadamenyc) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-06-15T23:48:53+00:00">Jun 15, 2016 at 4:48pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sending my baby to Pre-K prom .. Yes I cried <a href="https://t.co/HUMRejQsuH">pic.twitter.com/HUMRejQsuH</a></p>— Emily Kirst✨ (@emilyyy077) <a href="https://twitter.com/emilyyy077/status/735560116678856704">May 25, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The dresses!
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAA pWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY 9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wO HiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GP T6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90G Sy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAA AElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFpfjr1JNNA/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Velour & Roses Bombshell 💣 | Prom dress I made for this cutie's pre-K prom • #velour #prom dress #promgown #prom2k16 #share #viral #prombaddies #slay #prom2016 #prekprom #seamstress #prettygirlssew #kidswear #designer</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by @glenndoraporter on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-05-20T23:57:50+00:00">May 20, 2016 at 4:57pm PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So my niece had pre k prom today 😩😍😢 she's really the cutest <a href="https://t.co/Mkp6tA2uK9">pic.twitter.com/Mkp6tA2uK9</a></p>— ki (@royal__ki) <a href="https://twitter.com/royal__ki/status/743885346837045248">June 17, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MY COUSIN'S PRE-K PROM I aM IN TEARS <a href="https://t.co/CU67yjMACx">pic.twitter.com/CU67yjMACx</a></p>— ted bundy (@pearl_ham) <a href="https://twitter.com/pearl_ham/status/738932029392334848">June 4, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The dancing!
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Continuation of the prom Pre-K <a href="https://t.co/v3k8w5u48c">pic.twitter.com/v3k8w5u48c</a></p>— johnson&johnson (@Mrs220x3) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mrs220x3/status/745394793253998592">June 21, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The king and queen, of course.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nicholas named prom king at pre k prom 😭😭😭 <a href="https://t.co/ZBODiixW6W">pic.twitter.com/ZBODiixW6W</a></p>— Danye (@DaniellePanizzi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniellePanizzi/status/738483426890747904">June 2, 2016</a></blockquote>
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“It’s adorable. Girls dancing with girls, boys running around,” New York mom Lisbeth Morales told CBS New York.
But child psychologist Sanam Hafeez worries that this is a case of children growing up too soon. Besides, she wondered, what will they have to look forward to in high school?
“Some of the pictures that I saw were low-cut gowns, you know, getting their hair done, putting makeup on,” Hafeez told CBS New York.
“One of the biggest consequences is that you are missing out on the innocence of childhood; of just playing around, and not having to think about what people think of you, about what your hair looks like, or if this dress makes you look fat.”
Pre-K prom seems to be a do-over for parents like Morales, who missed out on her own senior prom because of an “overprotective mom.”
And for this prom, at least, the guys can skip the elaborate “promposal” to win a date.
Mommy always says yes.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heading to pre-k prom with this handsome guy! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/boymom?src=hash">#boymom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/datenight?src=hash">#datenight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pre?src=hash">#pre</a>-k <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/prom?src=hash">#prom</a> <a href="https://t.co/ASktCuKRaX">https://t.co/ASktCuKRaX</a> <a href="https://t.co/bczIrGHrjI">pic.twitter.com/bczIrGHrjI</a></p>— Danielle Reeves (@Busymomshelper) <a href="https://twitter.com/Busymomshelper/status/733441862246273025">May 19, 2016</a></blockquote>
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