Safe Homes, Smart Parties, & Spring Break Tips

Every year during spring break, it is necessary to have conversations about being safe before going to a family party or to a friend’s party. This can reduce the risk of alcohol, drugs, or substance abuse. Also, this can help you to be aware of securing medications, alcohol, and everyday products in a secure place before hosting a party. Create an entertaining party by having alcohol-free and drug-free activities for everyone. Have a wall poster, a picture frame of guidelines, or a white board with guidelines about what is permitted during the party at school or at home.

Bring awareness to family and friends about signing a pledge for Safe Homes and Smart Parties. Reduce your stress and understand your preteen or your teenager. Spring break is a time for your preteen or teenager to take a break from schoolwork. Additionally, it helps them relax before going to school. Yet, let them know that they can have a fun party while being safe and responsible with their decisions. 

Explain to them that there are consequences for everything that they do. However, do not make it into a lengthy lecture. Do not make them afraid of going to festivities or of having a fun time during spring break. Supervise them during the parties especially when it is a family gathering. Be cautious when family members invite people you do not know. 

Make sure you know everyone that is invited to the party. If uninvited guests arrive, supervise them more, especially if they are with the teenagers by themselves. For example, Mr. Tom is an older man but seems to be interested in spending time with Jolene and her teenage friends at the swimming pool. Yet, as a parent, you do not know Mr. Tom who was an uninvited guest. It is best to be aware of the age differences and follow your instincts. 

Do not leave them unattended or unsupervised, especially with people you do not know. Even if you know them, do not leave them unsupervised because of other party duties. For example, Jolene and her friends felt uncomfortable with Mr. Tom's flirting and comments about their physique. Likewise, Mr. Tom sneaked in alcohol in a water bottle when no one was watching. Stop and prevent substances, alcohol, or sexual comments during conversations as well as being alert about anything suspicious. 

Be attentive to their conversations at the dinner table. Invite less teenagers at the spring break party so it can reduce your stress while supervising. As well as inviting less family members because of their interactions with teenagers. Otherwise, keep an eye on them and make sure everyone is having a fun time. Avoid distractions, complaining, and critiquing during the family party and friend's party. 

Have a curfew, have name tags, and assign someone to supervise certain items. Assign someone or several people to supervise the food, drinks, swimming pool, and secure the areas in your home. Even if it is not a pool party, do practice safety measures in your home and have a first aid kit. Focus on the teenager’s safety, mental wellness, and listen to them if they feel uncomfortable about someone at the party. Play music but not too loud because it can disturb your neighbors. 

To be safe at a party, make sure garden tools are placed in a secure area. Assign someone to supervise the BBQ area and inspect the garden before having the party. Use a checklist to inspect your home for gas leaks, water leaks, and faulty electrical wiring. Establish rules when teenagers record with their cellphones and what they post in social media. Lastly, ensure everyone is comfortable at the party and leave the party early if you feel unwell. 

Ask your teenagers who they will invite to the party. If you are not hosting the party, ask them who will be at the party. Trust and listen to your teenagers. Observe their body language and their responses. Have a code word or code word if your teenagers want to leave the party. 

Do not assume that everyone will follow the guidelines at the party. However, do have a party with less teenagers and less family members. Setting a good example for preteens and teenagers is recommended. Review the guidelines before the party with everyone. Here are resources for practicing safety and hosting a party for teenagers. 

 

Safe Homes Smart Parties-Informed Families:

Safe Homes Smart Parties - Informed Families

Hosting Safe Party-Teens:

How to host a fun & safe party for your teen | Kids Helpline

* Font, background, and artwork made in Photo Collage Editor Maker 

* Pseudonyms were used in the examples of this blog post.