Five Tips To Ensure Your Teen Has A Safe Prom Night
Prom is an exciting time when high schoolers are given the chance to create a magical night. It is fun to have the chance to buy something fancy and dress up and it feels good to make dinner plans and organize a group or a date. Prom is an opportunity for teens to get out of the house and live the idealized fairy tale that this dance has become. Although prom is a wonderful event with a lot of potential, it is not always the most safe environment; many teens drink, engage in risk-taking behaviors, and end up getting themselves into some sticky situations.
Open the Lines. Communication is key. If you child feels like they are able to talk to you, without judgement, they are more likely to come to you when they are unsure what to do. By opening the lines of communication, talking about prom, and showing them you are there to support them and keep them safe, you are one step closer to ensuring a safe evening.
Set Expectations. Some parents think that if they set limits their teens will not like them. In reality, teens need expectations; they want boundaries! With prom the expectations should be direct and clear. If your expectation of your teen is that they will not drink, or that they will stay at prom tell them that. Make your expectations known, and allow them to be discussed and agreed upon.
Know the Group. Your teen might go to prom with a date, a group of friends, or both. No matter who they go with, it is important you know and trust the people your teen is going to be around. Peers have a large influence on teens; if you know everyone in the group and trust them, you can be that much more sure the expectations you outlined will be followed.
Develop an Exit Strategy. It is hard to say no when no one else is. Sometimes your kids might feel pressured and want to get out of the situation, but be afraid of being teased or made-fun-of. In preparation for these situations, sit down with your kids and come up with a plan for how to handle these situations.
Check-In. One way to keep your teen accountable on prom night is for them to know that you will be checking-in. Set up a time with your teen that they are expected to call you and tell you. By them calling you, you show them that they have your trust. This check-in also gives them the chance to get out of an unwanted situation and gives you the comfort of knowing they are okay.
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