For years the school formal or prom has been a rite of passage and the highlight in a teenager’s school life, but now children as young as four are engaging in the same tradition, with no expense spared.
In the UK, tots are having prom events when they leave preschool to mark the beginning of “big school”. The event is in every way similar to a high-school prom, complete with ball gowns, suits, a prom king and queen and even limousine transport.
Shops in the UK, including department store chain Debenhams, are working to meet the increasing demand with a range of prom dresses for “little ladies” starting at $70 and available for ages four and up.
And they aren’t your average party dresses either. Top designers such as Jenny Packham and John Rocha have created the miniature formal wear.
One UK preschool, Busy Bees nursery, posted details of the event on their website saying: “This year we celebrated in style with a fire engine limo! The children were able to take part in using the real fire hoses to spray water. Mr Mayhem once again joined us with his fun disco and party games.”
While this seems to be a growing trend for preschool children, some parenting experts are alarmed at the idea.
Author of Pink Brain, Blue Brain Lise Eliot expressed her concerns to The Times, saying she was concerned with the way proms reinforce gender stereotypes at such a young age.
“Dressing like a prom queen is not a healthy pastime for young children, in my opinion… by making kids dress according to the extreme of gender apparel, we are telling them that whether they are a boy or girl is their most important feature,” she says.
Sue Palmer, a former head teacher and author of 21st Century Girls, is concerned children growing up too quickly.
“[I] believe children should be making mud pies and not squeezing into sequins until at least puberty,” she says.
Your say: Has your child been to a preschool prom? Is it OK for children to have a prom when finishing preschool?
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