Do you monitor teens while they are in your home?

When your child wants to entertain either in your own home, or at another location, set firm ground rules by discussing them with your child and encourage their input and opinion.

• Establish with your child whether friends are allowed inside your home or anywhere on your property if you are not present, and outline the details including times, names, purpose of visit, etc. Make sure your teen knows he or she is never to have a party while you are away.
• Let your teen know that alcohol, tobacco and other drugs will not be permitted by any of his guests while at your home.
• Get the names of those visiting and introduce yourself when they arrive. If you are hosting a party, agree on a guest list and do not admit party crashers. Do not allow guests to leave the party and return.
• Provide snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for your teen’s guests.
• Restrict guests to a certain part of your house. Do not allow roaming.
• Be present and monitor the situations without joining the gathering or party.
• Put away your supply of alcohol and consider locking it up. Alcohol which is easily accessible provides temptation.
• Be alert to signs of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. If a guest arrives in an impaired condition, be willing to call his or her parents for safe transportation home.
• Get to know your teen’s friends’ parents and suggest shared chaperoning.
• Establish ways to monitor activity at your home through neighbors, friends and law enforcement.