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From prom, graduation
and throughout the summer, teens love to get together for a party. While most
parties are fun ways to pass an evening, some are held with the express purpose
of kids getting their hands on alcohol or other drugs.
Planning and Hosting a Party
When Your Teen Attends a Party
Of Special Note
Parents and teens alike
have responsibilities when it comes to throwing or attending a party.
Hosting Teenage
Parties
An adult
should be present at home throughout the party.
Parents
need to stay visible during the party. Bring in snacks or non-alcoholic
beverages, wander through to say hello. Not only will your visibility help keep
the party running smoothly, but it will also give you an opportunity to meet
your teen's friends.
When possible, do not have the party in a separate part of the house. When
it is in the main flow of the home your presence will seem more natural and
non-intrusive.
Alcohol and other
drugs should not be served or allowed.
Remember, it is
against the law to provide minors with alcohol as well as for them to consume
it.
Plan to have plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages on hand.
Be alert to signs of drinking or drug use.
Explain to your teen that you are legally responsible for anything that happens
to a minor who has been served alcohol in your home.
Uninvited guests or those bringing in alcohol or other drugs should be asked to
leave. Be ready to notify the parents to ensure their safe transportation home.
Encourage Organized Parties.
Go over party plans with your teen beforehand. Include a guest list and a
beginning and ending time.
Avoid open-house parties. They limit the control of both teens and parents over
the gathering.
Set Ground Rules Beforehand
Discuss the plans with your teen. It will give you both a good opportunity
to express feelings and concerns.
Anyone who leaves the party should not be allowed to return.
Have a plan in place to deal with party crashers.
When Your Teen
Attends 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 12% of middle school
and 34% of high school students using alcohol or other drugs report use at house
parties. Make the Call!
Know the location.
Have the
address and phone number of the party.
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.
Of Special Note
*Homes where parents are absent are frequently party sites. If you are going to
be out of town, have a friend, relative or neighbor stay with your children
while you are away. When the entire family is going to be gone, have someone
you trust check on your home.
*Graduation parties or
other celebrations require special planning because of the mix of ages and
relationships. Many parents have decided against serving alcohol at such
gatherings to avoid any possibilities of teens drinking. Notify your adult
guests of your decision beforehand to head off any problems.
*If your teen is
staying overnight with a friend, either as part of a planned party or as a
casual sleep over, check it out beforehand. Verify that the plan is acceptable
to the other parents and they will be home. Discuss curfews with the other
parents and make sure they will call you if your teen does not come in on time.
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