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Suggestions for Parents

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Southwest Behavioral and Health Services News

Here are some parent party tips if your teen is hosting a party at your residence: 
Help your teen plan the party.  Invite only a specific number of people.
Have your teen pass out or send invitations, no e-mail invites, and try to avoid the "open party" situation. 
List your phone number on the invite and welcome calls from parents.
Set the rules ahead of time; no alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
Set a start time and end time for the party.
Let attendees know that if they leave, they cannot come back.
Have plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Plan some activities such as music, games, movies, etc.
Let your neighbors know in advance there will be a party and that you will be there to supervise.
Familiarize yourself with your community's noise ordinance.
Limit the party access to a certain area of the house/property.
Have a plan for dealing with vehicles.
Call parents of any teen who arrives with alcohol or under the influence of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.  If you can't get in touch with the parents, keep the teen there or call the police if necessary.  You can be liable if you know they have been drinking and you let them leave. 
Secure all forms of your own alcohol, firearms and other potentially hazardous items in your home.
Make regular and unobtrusive visits to the party area with sensitivity to teens' needs for privacy and independence. 
Invite other parents to help chaperone.
And remember, Parents Who Host, Lose the Most.