Parental Responsibility

Hosting a Teen Party

When you or your teen throws a party, make it great by planning for everything!

Decide on a guest list. Give your teen a maximum number to invite and set an age limit for guests. Make sure to keep a copy of the guest list for your records.

Send invitations! Have your teen inform his/her guest that the party is by invitation only.

Set a party time, inclusive of a start and end time.

Inform parents/guardians about the party and explain your expectations of partygoers. No alcohol! No drugs!

Have parents or responsible adults drop off and pick up teens. If teens drive to the party, plan to hold all keys to eliminate the temptation of leaving and returning to the party.

Stay at the party. Your presence is important. Walk through the party area frequently. Have additional adult supervision onsite during the party.

Ask all uninvited guests to leave immediately. If necessary, call the police to escort unwanted guests out.

If you suspect a teen guest is intoxicated, contact his or her parents/guardians immediately.

Have guests remain in the party location; do not allow teens to go back and forth to a parking lot or their car.

Hold the party in an area you can monitor party guests from inside and outside.

Watch for strange behavior. Pay attention if a guest frequents the bathroom after getting a drink. This could indicate the use of illegal substances or alcohol.

Did You Know? Teenagers who drink are 50 times more likely to use cocaine. Three out of five teens have had an alcoholic drink in the past month. (NIAAA, 2002)

What's on the Menu?

Serve a wide variety of foods that appeal to teens, such as sugary pastries, healthy fruit, vegetable trays, pretzels and chips and dip.
Avoid serving punch or soft drinks in cups. Serve a variety of drinks in cans or bottles.
Do not allow teens to bring outside drinks, cups or open bottles into the party.

Establish Rules Ahead of Time

No drugs or alcohol
No smoking
No leaving the party & returning
No uninvited guests
Party area should have ample lighting for the time of the day; keep lights on throughout the party
Parent(s) will be providing supervision by serving refreshments and walking around.
Make some rooms in your home off limits to guests; insist on partygoers staying in designated party areas

Guests should not leave the house and return without permission and adult supervision. Avoid combining adult and youth parties. Remember adults are role models, teens will get the message that alcohol is not the "life of a party" when no alcohol is present at the party.

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