Tips to Ensure that Teenagers see in the new Year Safely
(510 Words)
Your teenagers want to party during New Year’s Eve, and you just want to make sure that they are safe. As a parent, you should take the necessary to steps to ensure that they take precautions. The more steps you take, the safer your children will be.
The parent/teenager talk
Before New Year’s Eve you should sit down with your teenagers to have a frank talk about some important practices that will keep them safe during New Years. First, tell them the dangers of drinking, doing drugs and smoking. Of course you should have already had such a talk with them, but right before New Year’s Eve may be the time to remind them if they will be going off without you. Tell them to only be with people they know well and to be wary of strangers. Let them know that they can always call you if they get into trouble no matter what they do.
Driving safety
The most dangerous time for teens might not be while they are at their holiday party but while they are driving to and from events. Education.com reports that the most traffic accidents involving teens occur during the holiday season, and alcohol is often the culprit. Make certain that your child knows it is never okay to drink and drive. Give them money to take a cab if necessary. Tell them that you will be happy to pick them up. Make sure that they understand that they can always call you. There should be a designated driver. Obviously your teenager should not be drinking at all, and there should be a responsible adult to drive. Offer to do it yourself.
Communication
You want to be able to reach your children at all times. Make sure they have charged cell phones. You can ask them to check in with you or call them if necessary.
Give safe options
You can give your teenagers some safe options on how to ring in the New Year. First, you can offer to host something at your house, suggests Mom Logic. Although it may seem like a lot of work, you can know that your children are safe since you are there to supervise. Offer to host a party.
You can also go somewhere with your teenager for New Year’s Eve. Numerous restaurants and other attractions offer New Year specials that can be a lot of fun. If you live near an attraction such as the beach, then do that. Let them decide where they want to go. You can even go on a vacation to avoid any conflict and know they are safe.
Ask for an itinerary
You are the parent of the teenagers, and ultimately it is up to you to make the decisions. Ask for an exact itinerary of the New Year’s Eve events. If you do not like something such as a crowded party, then ask him or her to choose an alternative event.
You want New Year’s to be safe and fun for your teenagers. Take the above steps to protect them.