YOUR TEEN IS GOING TO A PARTY
1. Call the host parents. Call to verify the party. Make sure a parent will be present and that underage drinking will not be permitted. 2. Know where your teen is going and with whom. Have the telephone number and address of the party, and ask your teen to call you if their location changes. Also let him/her know where you will be during that time. 3. Discuss how to handle possible situations. Let your teen know what you expect him or her to do if alcohol or drugs are offered. Help develop a comfortable way to refuse such drugs. 4. Know how your teen will get home from the party. Make it easy for your adolescent to leave a party by making it clear that he or she can call you, a neighbor, or a friend for a ride home, no questions asked. Urge your teenager NEVER to ride home with a driver who has been drinking. 5. Be up to greet your teenager when they come home. Be awake or have your teen awaken you when he or she arrives home. This can be a good way to check the time, as well as a way to talk about the evening. |
YOUR TEEN IS HAVING A PARTY
1. Set the ground rules ahead of time. Let your teen know what you expect. Rules for the party should include: * Adult supervision * No underage drinking (make sure there are plenty of non- alcoholic beverages available for all your guests) * No gate crashers allowed * Certain rooms of the house are off limits * No smoking * No leaving the party and then returning 2. Plan in advance. Go over party plans with your teenager and set the guest list. A party "by invitation only" can curb the "open party" situation. Have plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. 3. Set a time limit. Set a definite start and ending, not too long. Check local curfew laws in setting an appropriate ending time. 4. Know your responsibilities. Explain to your teen that you are legally responsible for anything that happens to a minor who has been served drugs or alcohol in your home. Include your teen in this feeling of responsibility. Guests who bring alcohol should be asked to leave. Be ready to notify the parents of any teens arriving intoxicated to ensure their safe transportation home. 5. Be visible and available. Make sure you can maintain adequate supervision. |