Too Merry For The Holidays
The holidays aren’t just about gifts and reuniting with friends and family over the break. It is also about parties, and it is a rare teen party that does not include alcohol or other substances of abuse. A holly jolly Christmas can sometimes mean your teen will be in this high-risk environment whether they choose to drink or not. Since this is a normal part of teen experimentation while growing up, it is important to use this as another opportunity to discuss your rules and safety precautions surrounding this hot topic.
This is a delicate balance, telling them not to drink, or use and knowing that they may experiment. So like everything involving your teen, you prepare them for the worst and hope that being a good kid, they will do their best to make good decisions. A few guidelines are listed below:
1. Designate a driver
Designating a driver is probably one of the smartest things your teen can do. This is best when done before they start to party. This person is going to be sober enough to drive home, just make sure they know how to operate the GPS and have the addresses to everyone’s home.
2. Watch your drink
Your teen should know about drinking safety. This involves opening their own drink or taking the mixed drink from the bartender and not the person who thought to buy them a drink. They should always keep their drink in sight and if ever it is put down to dance, or go to the bathroom it is as good as gone so throw it out. This is to prevent someone from putting drugs in the drink that might cause them to be vulnerable to violence or other danger.
3. Watch your friends
Even if nothing is ever slipped into a drink to cause unconsciousness, the party scene can be dangerous when your teen is not safe. The designated driver can help keep an eye on the people they came with. Drinking too much is another way teens are vulnerable to dangerous situations. It may be necessary to take these teens home early.
4. Safety First
There is a delicate balance between knowing your teen will drink and not wanting them to drink. Despite this difficult situation it is important that your teen know that if worst came to worst, they need to call you for a ride. They can also get a cab; you can leave cab money in a front hall drawer. Their safety is first, you can always yell at them later, but make sure when you are yelling you are thanking them for calling as well. As long as they are alive, the next day won’t be too bad.
Teen parties are frequently, but not always going to incorporate some mind altering substance. This is part of the risk taking process of becoming an adult. The practice of becoming an adult. It is not important that you keep them from these scenes as much as you prepare them to make good choices while there.
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