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FOR A GREAT PARTY WITH A HAPPY ENDING
When Your Teen Is Giving a Party
* Plan in Advance. Check party plans with your teenager and know the
guest list. If you monitor the guest list, you can help prevent party
crashers.
* Set a Time
Limit. Set a definite start and ending; not too long. Consider daytime
parties as an alternative to evening ones or plan an activity such as
swimming, skating, or renting videos.
* Agree to
Rules Ahead of Time. These might include: no alcohol or other drugs; no
smoking, no party crashers allowed; lights on at all times; guest must
not leave and then return to the party; and designated off-limits rooms.
* Know your
Responsibilities. The responsible adult should be visible and aware.
REMEMBER - IT IS ILLEGAL TO SERVE ALCOHOL TO MINORS. You're legally
responsible for anything that might happen to a minor who has been
served alcohol or other drugs at your home.
* Invite Another Parent or Couple Over. Other adults provide company to
you during a long evening and can help with problems. Also, if parents
have driven teenagers to your home, you might consider inviting them in
to meet you.
When Your Teen is Going to a Party
* Call the Host. Before giving permission to attend a party make sure
it will have adult supervision and that no alcohol will be allowed.
* Check the
Party Plans Beforehand. Know where your teenager is going and with
whom. Call an adult at the party location to ensure that it will be
adequately chaperoned and whether the parent is aware of the scheduled
party. When taking your teenager to a party, wait to see that he or she
is inside the home. If you do not know the parents, take a moment to
introduce yourself.
* Make it Easy
for Your Teenager to Leave a Party. If there is drinking or drug taking
or any other reason that your teen wishes to leave the party, make
arrangements so that your teen can call you or other designated adult
who will pick them up. Urge your teen NEVER to ride with a driver who
has been drinking or using drugs. You might have an understanding that
there will be no punishments or restrictions for calling to pick them
up.
* ALWAYS BE UP TO GREET YOUR TEENAGER WHEN HE OR SHE RETURNS HOME FROM A SOCIAL GATHERING.
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