PREVENTING TRAGEDY
Heading off house party dangers doesn't mean you're a strict parent, or that you're opposed to your kids having fun. It simply means you love your kids and look to prevent tragedy before it strikes.
Talk to your kids. Be up front. Tell them that house parties with drinking are simply not okay. Tell them not to drink, and not to drive with someone who does drink.
Before they go out the door, ask the questions and get the answers:
- WHO will you be with?
- WHERE are you going?
- WHAT will you be doing?
- WHEN will you be home?
Every time they are heading out, ask. It will become routine and they'll soon start offering the information on their own.
When it comes to your teen attending a party:
- Call the host/hostess' parent – Verify the occasion and the times of the party. 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 a majority of students who admit to using alcohol or other drugs report using at house parties.
- Know the location – Have the address and phone number of the party. Check it out beforehand.
- 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.
Keep these simple words in mind: IT'S NOT OKAY FOR KIDS TO DRINK. ANYTIME. IT'S ILLEGAL.