Prom Night Safety for Your Teen

Prom is usually a highlight of a student’s high school years—a time to get all dressed up and dance the night away with their friends. But Prom Night is stressful for parents. Any occasion that combines teen drivers and partying means an anxious evening for Mom and Dad.

Nothing except your teen walking through the front door safely will erase your stress, but there are a few things you can do ahead of time to prepare your child for a safe prom night and ease your mind, at least a little.

-First and foremost, have an honest discussion with your teen about making smart decisions and resisting peer pressure. Talk to them about the dangers of alcohol and other substances and the potential consequences of irresponsible behavior. Reassure them that if they’re in an uncomfortable situation, they can always call you for a ride at any time.

- Do you know who your teen will be with and where they’re going? Make sure that you get a call or text when your teen arrives at the prom and/or any after-parties.

        

- If your child will be driving, give the car a once-over a few days before the prom. Check the air in the tires, wiper fluid, wiper blades, headlights, and make sure the gas tank is full!
         

-Think about hiring a limo for your teen and their friends.  This way no one in the group has to worry about driving and everyone’s parents can rest assured that their child will be home at a reasonable time.
  

- Keep your cell phone on all night so you’re ready to pick up your teen at a moment’s notice. But at the same time, don’t check your phone constantly, waiting for a call or text. Give them a little breathing room!
        

- Finally, trust your teen to make good decisions. They’re smarter and more capable than you might think.

Are there any other tips you’d add to our list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!