June 16, 2010 --
Yes it is that time of the year again. The school is out and
it’s the time to celebrate the achievement by both the
parents and the teens. After all they both suffered through
the year. The only thing to worry about now is the planning
for the graduation party and preparing the guest list. The teens
can easily take care of this part. So there is really nothing
to worry about. Not so fast.
Bob Gaydos wrote an article for the Times Herald-record that should be a warning
bell to all parents. He wrote that according to Joseph A.
Califano jr., the chairma and president of the National Center
on Addiction and Substance abuse at Columbia University and
former U.S. secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, “Too
many parents fail to fulfill their responsibility to chaperone
their kids' parties,"
"The message is loud and clear: If your teen is having
a party at your home, you should not only be there but also
be aware of what is going on. The reality is that even when
parents are present at a party, some kids will try to sneak
in substances."
According to Gaydos, a survey by CASA showed that "98
percent of parents say they are normally present during parties
they allow their teens to have at home. But a third of the
teen partygoers report that parents are rarely or never present
at parties they attend." CASA also reports that teens
who say parents are not present at the parties they attend
are 16 times likelier to say alcohol is available and 15 times
likelier to say illegal drugs are available, compared to teens
who say parents are always present at the parties. Surveys
also show that the earlier teens start using alcohol, the
more likely they are to become dependent on it later in life.
These are the recommendation for the parents of teens at
this crucial time to make parties safer:
• Help plan the party. Make a guest list, and keep
the number limited.
• Don't send e-mail invitations that can be forwarded
to others.
• Put your phone number on the invitations, and welcome
calls from parents.
• Set times for start and end of the party; set rules
ahead of time.
• Let guests know that if they leave, they can't come
back.
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Have plenty of
food and soft drinks and don't put them all out at once.
This lets you check in from time to time without being
intrusive. |
| • |
Don't let guests bring alcohol
into the party. |
| • |
Plan activities, music, games,
movies, etc. |
| • |
Invite other parents to help
chaperone. Let them know they won't be drinking alcohol
either. |
| • |
If the party is at someone
else's home, don't hesitate to call the parents for details. |
| • |
Remember, it's illegal to allow persons
under 21, other than your own children, to consume alcohol
in your home. |
If you are a friend or family member of a teen struggling
with drug and or alcohol abuse, call now
for help at our toll free teen addiction treatment center
helpline:
1-888-757-6237
or e-mail
us.
Inspirations for Youth and Families aka, Inspirations
Teen Rehab is here to help your teen and your family
through this difficult process.
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If you have any questions, please
know that we are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week
for your support and guidance. We welcome the opportunity
to answer your questions about teen behavior, substance
use, adolescent addiction, teen drug rehab, or other
related matters. If
you would prefer, you may fill out our short form and
one of our counselors will respond. |
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