How To Talk To Your Child About Prom Night Safety
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You’ve helped them choose the perfect outfit, arranged their transport and assisted them with grooming themselves to perfection. But, have you talked to them about how to stay safe on prom night? We all know that with all those hormones flying around and the lure of alcohol, prom night can be a dangerous place for young people. Yet, we are often scared to confront these issues head-on with our children. I know I am. Conversation really is the best way to help your child manage the pitfalls of prom night, but how do you have these discussions?
Start
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Early
”I have found, that it is never too early to talk to my child about the dangers of underage drinking or indeed of drinking too much. You should still have specific talks in regard to prom night and other big events in your child’s social calendar as they approach, but keeping the lines of conversation open at all times makes this much easier as the events move closer.”
Founder of Prom Dress Finder
Set Expectations
I find it is always best to be explicit with my children in regard to the behaviour that I expect from them. If you don’t
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want your children to drink at all, make that clear. If you are happy for them to have a few drinks, tell them exactly what and how much they can drink. Young people can find loopholes in any instruction, so be precise.
Talk about the future
I find that with young people, honesty is always the best policy. Talk to them about their plans for the future and remind them how the pitfalls of prom night can destroy these plans. Remind them that a pregnancy can mean they may not be able to continue their education as planned, or that drunken escapades can
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get them into trouble with the police (I’ve been there with underaged drinking, and police, and it wasn’t clever, or fun!). You should also make it clear that drink-fuelled misadventures can make it onto social media and affect future job prospects.
Talk about peer-pressure strategies
Explain to your child that if their friends are drinking, they will be desperate for them to do so too. Work together with your teen before they go to the event to develop strategies for dealing with such pressure. You could, for instance, create a valid response
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for turning down alcohol, such as, ”I can’t, I’m running a 10k race tomorrow”.
Create a backup plan
I find it frustrating that I can talk to my child about safety and help them make the right choices, but I have no power over the decisions that their friends make. With this in mind, when my child goes anywhere, I like to ensure they know I can pick them up at any time, with no judgment. It might also be an idea to make sure your children have enough money for a taxi, just in case.
Communicate with them on the night
Before your children
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go out for the night, ask them to send a couple of text messages during the evening. Try to make it clear that it’s not because you feel the need to check up on them but because you’re keen to know if they are having fun. You can send them a text or two during the evening, but focus on asking if they’re having a good time, not on what they are drinking.
I really feel that if you have left the lines of conversation open with your child throughout the years, that talking about prom night safety should just be another part of your relationship. Be
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honest with them, explore the dangers, help them develop plans for avoiding the pitfalls and ensure they know that whatever happens, you will be there for them if they need help.
About me
Hi, I’m Lucy. I am a freelance writer, blogger and mum of two. My writing is regularly published on a wide array of publications, and on my own blogs, Real Parent, Real Wedding, and Real Life. Come and say hi to me on @lclarkecouk or on Pinterest.
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Lucy Clarke - 26 Oct 17
You’ve helped them choose the perfect outfit, arranged their transport and assisted them with grooming themselves to perfection. But, have you talked to them about how to stay safe on prom night? We all know that with all those hormones flying around and the lure of alcohol, prom night can be a dangerous place for young people. Yet, we are often scared to confront these issues head-on with our children. I know I am. Conversation really is the best way to help your child manage the pitfalls of prom night, but how do you have these discussions?
Start Early
“I have found, that it is never too early to talk to my child about the dangers of underage drinking or indeed of drinking too much. You should still have specific talks in regard to prom night and other big events in your child’s social calendar as they approach, but keeping the lines of conversation open at all times makes this much easier as the events move closer.”
Founder of Prom Dress Finder
Set Expectations
I find it is always best to be explicit with my children in regard to the behaviour that I expect from them. If you don’t want your children to drink at all, make that clear. If you are happy for them to have a few drinks, tell them exactly what and how much they can drink. Young people can find loopholes in any instruction, so be precise.
Talk about the future
I find that with young people, honesty is always the best policy. Talk to them about their plans for the future and remind them how the pitfalls of prom night can destroy these plans. Remind them that a pregnancy can mean they may not be able to continue their education as planned, or that drunken escapades can get them into trouble with the police (I’ve been there with underaged drinking, and police, and it wasn’t clever, or fun!). You should also make it clear that drink-fuelled misadventures can make it onto social media and affect future job prospects.
Talk about peer-pressure strategies
Explain to your child that if their friends are drinking, they will be desperate for them to do so too. Work together with your teen before they go to the event to develop strategies for dealing with such pressure. You could, for instance, create a valid response for turning down alcohol, such as, “I can’t, I’m running a 10k race tomorrow”.
Create a backup plan
I find it frustrating that I can talk to my child about safety and help them make the right choices, but I have no power over the decisions that their friends make. With this in mind, when my child goes anywhere, I like to ensure they know I can pick them up at any time, with no judgment. It might also be an idea to make sure your children have enough money for a taxi, just in case.
Communicate with them on the night
Before your children go out for the night, ask them to send a couple of text messages during the evening. Try to make it clear that it’s not because you feel the need to check up on them but because you’re keen to know if they are having fun. You can send them a text or two during the evening, but focus on asking if they’re having a good time, not on what they are drinking.
I really feel that if you have left the lines of conversation open with your child throughout the years, that talking about prom night safety should just be another part of your relationship. Be honest with them, explore the dangers, help them develop plans for avoiding the pitfalls and ensure they know that whatever happens, you will be there for them if they need help.
About me
Hi, I’m Lucy. I am a freelance writer, blogger and mum of two. My writing is regularly published on a wide array of publications, and on my own blogs, Real Parent, Real Wedding, and Real Life. Come and say hi to me on @lclarkecouk or on Pinterest.
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Hi, I’m Lucy. I am a freelance writer, parenting / weddings / lifestyle blogger and mum of two. I like wining and dining, and spoiling kids. My writing is regularly published on a wide array of publications, such as Life Hack, Elite Daily, YourTango, Real Wedding, The Good Men Project, Self Growth, We Love Dates, Mums That Work, Older Dating, Real Parent, Zoosk, The Urban Dater, All Women Stalk, Thrive Global, and many more.
Come say hi on @lclarkecouk, Pinterest, or lclarke.co.uk.
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