Keeping Them Safe on New Year’s Eve

So you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party for your teen. Now what? Now the other parents are putting their teens in your care. So make sure you keep them safe.

There are some basic essentials to every teen New Year’s party. These include party hats, noise makers, tons of junk food, watching the ball drop in Times Square (on your TV) and drinking sparkling grape juice. But beside providing food, drinks and party favors, you also need to provide a safe environment.

Here are some simple party rules you may want to follow:

• Do not allow any illegal substances in the house. This can include everything from drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, firearms, fireworks, and porn. You don’t need to frisk the teens as they come in the door, but make it very clear that none of that stuff will be tolerated and a teen will be asked to leave (and parents will be called) if you find it in your home.
• Keep the party small. Don’t let the whole senior class crash the party. It hard to keep a party of 50 teenagers under control. Get your teen to invite a few of their closest friends and leave it at that. Anything more than that will have to be at a rented hall which (1) costs more and (2) requires a ton more chaperon’s.
• Speaking of chaperons, make sure you have enough. Even with a small party you will need more than one.
• Provide a safe place for coats, purses, etc. Lock them in a room or keep them upstairs with you.
• Stay visible. You don’t have to sit down in the middle of the party, but check in often. Use every excuse you can think of. Refill the snack bowls. Bring in more soda. Ask them if they need another movie. Make sure they know you’re there and make sure they’re being good.
• Make sure each and every teen has a safe way home. Or let teens stay the night.

Teen parties can be fun and still be safe. They may want to spike the punch, but if keep a close watch on them they won’t get the chance.