Teens whose parents talk with them regularly about drugs and alcohol are 42% less likely to use substances than those whose parents don’t. Tell your teens that you expect them not to use alcohol or other drugs at parties.
If you are hosting a teen party…
- Plan in Advance. Go over party plans with your teen. Encourage your teen to plan non-alcohol-related group activities or games.
- Keep parties small. Ten to 15 teens for each adult. Make sure at least one adult is present at all times. Ask other parents to come over to help you if you need it.
- Set a guest list. The party should be for invited guests only. No “crashers” allowed. This will help avoid the “open party” situation.
- Set starting and ending times for the party. Check local curfew laws to determine an ending time.
- Set party “rules” and your expectations. Discuss them with your teen before the party. Rules should include the following:
- No tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
- No one can leave the party and then return.
- Lights are left on at all times.
- Certain rooms of the house are off-limits.
- Have plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages available. Also, put your alcohol and any prescription or over-the-counter medicines in a locked cabinet.
- Be there, but not square. Pick out a spot where you can see what is going on without being in the way. You can also help serve snacks and beverages.
If your teen is going to a party…
- Know where your teen is going and how long he will be there. Have the phone number and address of the party. Ask your teen to call you if the location of the party changes. Be sure to let your teen know where you will be during the party.
- Call the parent of the party host to make sure a parent will be home the entire time and supervising the party. Make sure that tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs will not be allowed.
- Talk with your teen beforehand about how to handle a situation where alcohol is available at a party.
- Make sure your teen has a way to get to and from the party. Make it easy for your teen to leave a party by making it clear that he can call at any time for a ride home. Discuss why he might need to make such a call. Remind your teen NEVER to ride home with a driver who has been drinking or using other drugs.
- Be up to greet your teen when he comes home. This can be a good way to check the time and talk about the evening.
- If your teen is staying overnight at a friend’s house after the party, verify this arrangement with the friend’s parents and that they will be home.
These above information and important tips came from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-To-Teen-Parties.aspx
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