Homecoming, Halloween, fall harvest festivals – it is the season for middle and high school students to celebrate. And if you’re a parent of a teenage student, you might find yourself signed up to be a parent chaperone for a dance or other school event.
Or maybe your son or daughter wants to attend several teen Halloween parties – or have a homecoming party at your house – and you might need to be present to keep an eye on things.
Here are some homecoming and Halloween party tips on allowing teens to enjoy themselves while under your watchful eye:
* Be prepared for any situation. No matter if you’re at your own home, or chaperoning an event at the school, know where an emergency phone (or cell phone) is, first aid supplies and other emergency supplies including flashlights. Determine if there is an emergency protocol list, and if there isn’t, see if you can create one.
* Determine what are acceptable and unacceptable behaviors – before the event starts. If you are chaperoning at a school event, ask the principal or another faculty member what behaviors you need to keep an eye out for. If you’re chaperoning a party at your home, discuss with your teenager what you expect from her guests.
* Be present, but don’t put yourself in the middle of the action. If the party is at your house, walk past the activity every once in awhile, or ask if any additional food or beverages are needed. And if you’re chaperoning a school function, make eye contact with a smile and throw in a complimentary (non-threatening) comment if appropriate. This will remind students they’re being chaperoned, but not hounded.
* Be on your best behavior yourself. If you don’t want your teenager drinking or smoking, hold off on these activities yourself until all the guests have left and you’re back at home.
If you find yourself volunteering to be a chaperone at your teenager’s high school event, you may find yourself enjoying the event, and you may learn new things about your son he doesn’t typically exhibit at home. Plus, as a chaperone, you might be able to feel more comfortable that your son and his friends are having a safe Halloween, homecoming or other celebratory event.
