Full disclaimer, I moved to America in college. My home country didn't have school dances. I am not familiar with them other than knowing that in American TV shows, prom is a big deal and a place where people lose their virginity. That's the extent of my knowledge.My older son is 16 and a junior. There isn't a prom for juniors so they do a winter formal dance instead. It's basically prom but in the winter instead of at the end of the year and isn't open to seniors. It's seen as a big deal because it's the midway point through the year. Girls get expensive dresses and boys rent tuxes. Many kids take a limo with friends and go to a party after.My son doesn't want to go. I think this is okay. He's introverted and would rather stay home and play video games or study. My wife wants to make him go. She thinks he's letting high school slip away without getting involved in anything and thinks he should go out with his classmates. He honestly not that kind of kid. He doesn't believe in drinking or smoking. Dating or dancing with girls doesn't appeal to him. Even talking about porn was met with him disapproving of the kind of people who film themselves having sex. He's a quirky teenager. He has friends but they don't come over much and are a lot like him. If they do come over they are usually playing Magic the Gathering.My wife is generally okay with who he is but has a stronger bond with our more outgoing younger son. She is hurt by him not wanting to go to this dance but said it would be okay as long as he goes to prom next year. She said she wants him to get out of his comfort zone but I think he should be able to stay in his comfort zone for a couple more years. College is around the corner and he'll be out of his own. Can't we make his last couple years at home comfortable without being bad parents? As a non American, am I missing something about school dances? via /r/Parenting https://ift.tt/2PoRWLO
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