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Talk, Listen, Connect
Parent’s guide to teen parties
When your teen is having a party
- Know the guest list to avoid an “open party” situation
- Consider daytime parties as an alternative to evening ones
- Plan an activity such as swimming, skating, movies, etc.
- Set a time limit: have a definite starting and ending time
- Agree to rules ahead of time: No alcohol, smoking, or drugs
- No leaving the party and returning
- No uninvited guests
- Lights should stay on
- Some rooms in the house are off limits
- Know your responsibilities: Be visible and AWARE
- It is ILLEGAL to serve alcohol to minors
- Hosting an underage drinking party can result in a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine up to $2,500 and possible jail time
- Parents who rent a hotel room where minors are found to be drinking may be fined $2,000 and could face up to 1 year in prison
- Invite another parent(s) over to help
When your teen is going to a party
- Call the host – ask about the basic rules, if there will be parental supervision, and if there will be alcohol present
- Check the party plans beforehand with your teenager – know where your child is going and with whom.
- If you don’t know the host, be sure to introduce yourself
- Make it easy for your teen to leave a party – if there is alcohol or drugs present and your child wanted to leave a party, make arrangements that your child can call you to come.
- Urge your teen to never ride with someone who is under the influence
- Be up to greet your teen when they get home
5 Tips for Talking to Your Teen
- Focus on your intentions: ask yourself, “What do I really want to accomplish?”
- Use facts, not judgments
- Keep the conversation safe
- Agree on clear rules, expectations, and consequences
- Evaluate how the conversation went
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