Never let your teenager have a party at your house unless you plan to be there to provide active, adult supervision. This does not mean hiding in your bedroom. Limit the number of guests who attend the party to invited guests only. Don’t include children who have a history of drinking or other behavioral problems–your children know who they are. Never have an “open” party where anyone may attend. Make it clear that alcohol will not be provided or consumed in or around your house. Make it clear that guests will not be allowed to come and go. Once they leave the party, they may not return. This prevents guests from going to their cars to drink. Remember, you are legally responsible for the actions or mishaps of minors drinking in your home. If you child is invited to a party, check with the parents to make sure they will be home to supervise. If they are strong parents, they will welcome your call. If not, don’t allow your child to attend. Parental supervision is the key to effective parenting. Half of our high school children are drinking on a regular basis. Time to get our heads out of the sand.
Thought of the day
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