Teenager's Parties

If you're feeling brave or (more likely) pester power has won the day and you've agreed to host your teen's party at home – fear not – there are ways to ensure it doesn't turn into a free for all for every adolescent within a ten mile radius.

Remember, both you and your teen want different things from the party: they want their mates to have a brilliant time and go away thinking their 'olds' (that's you!) are actually kinda cool and know how to throw a good do, whereas you just want it to pass without anyone getting the dog drunk or vomiting in your bed...

But How?...

Rules and regulations are the key and they need to be set in stone from the first day of planning. If you know another teen who has recently had a party at home, give their parents' a call and find out how they organised their party – was there anything they'd have done differently with hindsight – for instance, did they implement a 'door policy' with strict invitation only entrance? Did they have RSVPs and know numbers before hand? Was there a firm end time? What was their position on alcohol and smoking? Obviously, some choices will be yours alone to make, but when your offspring pulls the 'But Jane's mum let her’ line, at least you'll have some accurate background info from the horse's mouth!

Considerations

The age of your teen and their guests needs to be taken into account when you draw up your ground rules. If you have a 15 year old, they will undoubtedly have 16 year old friends who can legally smoke. Likewise, your tee-total 17 year old may have 18 year old chums who buy and drink alcohol. Whether you allow smoking and drinking in your home is entirely up to you, BUT take other parents' views into account – you don't want irate fathers of drunken 17 years olds on your doorstep the following morning, or the mother of a young teen asking why her daughter returned home smelling like an ashtray and with cigarette burns on her top!

Entertainment

This is one party where Grandad and his balloon modelling are not going to be welcome! Teenagers make their own entertainment, whether you approve of it or not! A karaoke machine, games console and space to dance is really all you need, along with a good sound system, subtle lighting or party lights, and a table full of food. Kids know how to party!

Smaller Groups

If a full on teen-fest is not for you, or your son or daughter would prefer a more intimate gathering, you won't go far wrong by offering to open up your house for a sleepover with choice of take-aways, unlimited DVD or games hire and your solemn promise not to step foot in the living room until at least 11 o'clock the next morning.

Some Ideas That Might Save Your Sanity...

If at all possible, hold the party in the garden where clearing up will be minimal, but consider your neighbours!

Invite a few other adults over (but stay at a discreet distance!) so there's a bit of 'parent power' if things get out of hand. Agree with your teen from the start whether you will be a ‘visible’ or ‘invisible’ presence on the night.

Don't let Guests Stay Over Unless it has Been Pre-Arranged

With young teens, make sure you have contact numbers for parents/guardians.

If you are on door duty, make sure your son/daughter actually knows the people you are letting in!Have a clear and firm policy on drinking and smoking that your son/daughter and their guests are aware of from the start.And most importantly: relax – it'll all be over in a few hours!