SUPERVISING AN ALCOHOL-FREE HOUSE PARTY
There are times you'll want to host a party for your kids. Whether it's for graduation, a birthday or any other special occasion, there are a few simple rules in keeping the party alcohol-free.
- Be there, or make sure another responsible adult is present. You, or your designated chaperone, should make yourself visible to the partygoers, periodically strolling through to offer snacks or "just saying hi."
- Do not have the party in a separate part of the house. When it is in the main flow of the home, your presence will seem more natural and non-intrusive.
- Set an end-time for the party. It will help cut down on stragglers. Many communities in South Dakota have a curfew; be sure you end the party in time for the guests to get home without speeding or breaking curfew.
- Don't serve alcohol, even if some of the guests are of drinking age. If the party is a gathering like an open house or graduation celebration, there may be both adult and teen guests. Making the party completely alcohol-free eliminates the chance of a minor obtaining a drink intended for an adult. It also demonstrates to young people that adults can have fun without alcohol, as well as preventing any of your guests from driving after drinking.
- Have a guest list. Stick to it. Before the first person arrives, figure out with your teen how to handle unwanted guests—they are often the source of fights or vandalism. Don't worry about presenting a tough-guy image. Safety is a higher priority than a fun reputation.
- Take responsibility. If a guest brings alcohol to the party, or drinks before arriving, and you or your teen are scared to call a parent for fear of punishment, call someone else, or call the police.
- Do not allow guests to come and go.
Remember, it is your house. You have the right to set the rules and the responsibility to enforce them.
Adapted from the Sioux Falls Parent Communication Network's High School News, January 2008