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A fun, active social
life may be teenagers' highest priority, while parents continue to focus
on safety and responsibility. Whether its a formal party, a casual
get together or just some times spent hanging out, time with friends is a
major part of most teens' lives. Your role is
- Be a Parent
Talk to your kids.
Be up front. Tell them that house parties with drinking are simply not
okay. Tell them not to drink, and not to drive with someone that
does drink.
Before they go out the door,
ask the questions
and get the answers:
■ WHO
will you
be with?
■ WHERE
are you
going?
■ WHAT
will you
be doing?
■ WHEN
will you
be home?
Every time they are heading out, ask. It will become routine and
they'll soon start offering the information on their own.
When it comes to your
teen attending a party:
Call the host/hostess' parent
Contact the adults to verify the occasion and the times
of the party. Also, make sure that an adult will be home and that there
will be no alcohol or other drugs permitted. If you feel strange calling the parents, keep in mind that
a majority of students (middle school as well as high school) who admit using alcohol or other
drugs report using at house parties. Make the Call!
Know the location.
Have the address and phone number of the party. Check it out
beforehand.
Arrange transportation beforehand
Assure your teen that you or a specified neighbor or
friend can be called if a ride home is needed. Discuss possible situations
that might necessitate such a phone call. If you are not going to be home while your teen attends a
party, let him know where you will be and how he can reach you.
Agree on times before the party starts
Be sure your teen understands what time to be home.
Know the curfew laws for your community and abide by them. In many cases,
adults who knowingly allow a minor to violate a curfew are held responsible.
Be awake when your teen gets home. It's not only a sure way of checking
the time, it also gives your teen a chance to talk about the party.
Keep these simple words in mind:
IT’S NOT OKAY FOR KIDS TO DRINK. ANYTIME. IT’S ILLEGAL.
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