Party Tips

Medium

  • Set clear rules and expectations beforehand. Be consistent with consequences if your expectations are not met.
  • Spread the word. Make sure your child’s guests (and their parents) are aware of your house rules.
  • Make it exclusive. Encouraging an “invitation only” party will help manage size and make it easier to monitor.
  • Create a safe space. Lock up your alcohol and prescription medications.
  • Actively chaperone. You are responsible for what’s happening on property you control, including hotel rooms in your name.
  • Be present and visible throughout the party. Fill the chips, dips and alcohol-free beverages
  • Know the signs of use. If you suspect someone is impaired, call their parents and arrange for a safe ride home.

  • Talk to the parents. Ask about supervision. Share your rules.
  • Verify the plan. Who, what, where, when – ask questions!
  • Set clear rules and expectations. Be consistent with your consequences if your expectations are not met.
  • Ask your child to check in with you regularly with a phone call. Have a code word your teen can use if they need you to pick them up.
  • Don’t scold. If your teen needs help or a ride home because of substance use, focus on the positive: they trust you enough to ask for help. Wait until later to talk about what happened.
  • Be present. When your children arrive home, give them a hug. Not only can you smell them, it reinforces that you’re glad they’re home safely.

That night:

  • Remain calm. They’re home -- take a deep breath.
  • Ask questions. Who were they with? What drugs did they take?

The day after: 

  • Keep your cool. Voice your disappointment or anger in a respectful way. Express your love, too.
  • Revisit rules and expectations. Have them identify what they should have done differently, and work through the lessons learned.
  • Enforce realistic consequences, making sure both parents are on the same page. “Grounding for life” won’t work.
  • Seek professional help if you are concerned about your child’s use of alcohol or other drugs.

Before you leave:

  • Make sure your teen is supervised.
  • Set clear “no party” rules.
  • Spread the word: Let your neighbors, friends or other family members know you’ll be gone, and how they can contact you.