Where
there are teenagers, there will be parties, and summer vacations are often a
likely time for these to occur.
If
your teenager is attending a party, here are some key points to consider:
Know
where your teenager will be. Get the name, address, and phone number of the
host. If the party's location changes, have your teen let you know the new
location.
Contact
the parents of the party-giver to verify the party location, offer your help,
and make sure that an adult will be present. You’ll also want to confirm that
alcohol and other drugs will not be allowed.
Transportation
to and from the party should also be discussed.
Let
your teen know that you or a specific person can be called on for a ride home,
no questions asked.
Discussing
possible scenarios ahead of time gives teens a good idea about how to respond
in a variety of situations.
Another
important point to consider is curfew. Let your teen know when to be home. Stay
up or have your teen wake you when he or she gets back. You may find it’s a
good time to ask how the evening went.
Sleeping
over at the location of the party may also be appropriate, but talk to your
teen and the host's parents ahead of time.
Communication
is essential. Build a sense of trust with your teen and you're more likely to
get honest information.
