Find out where your teen is going to be.
A fifteen year old in a suburban Philadelphia neighborhood told me the other weekend he has four parties to choose from on Halloween night this year. In a case where there is more than one party going on, have your teenager decide where he’s going. Discuss together what the rules are around moving from one party to another.
Get contact information for each party and call the parent(s). Ask what they are planning for the party. Ask what the rules are around kids leaving the party and either wandering around the neighborhood, or leaving for another party. Make sure you are comfortable with the answers you receive.
Make sure you ask specifically what the rules are for alcohol and drugs / smoking. Even if you are one of those parents who wouldn’t dream of offering alcohol at one of your 17-year-old’s parties, doesn’t mean other parents won’t do it. Ask what the plan is if drugs or alcohol are found at the party. Ask how the parents plan to handle teenagers who show up under the influence.
Ask around if your teen is going to a home you’re not familiar with.
Find out from other parents what they know about where your teenager is going. If you are not comfortable with what you hear, tell your teenager. Work out a different plan for the evening.
If you enjoyed this article, please see Halloween Party ideas for teenagers (to throw your own party to keep your teenager safe), Halloween horror movies for teens, Halloween party game ideas for teens, and Haunted places in Philadelphia.
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