Prom is one of the most exciting times in a teen’s life. There is excitement in finding the perfect dress or suit, the perfect boutonniere or corsage, planning the ride whether it’s renting a limo or borrowing your parent’s fancy car and of course dinner. Getting to prom is probably three-quarters of the fun, if not more, for most teens. What happens at prom and after also needs to be well thought out, because this is when most teens drink and/or have sex their first time.

Help your Teen Abstain

Whether it’s from drinking or sex, you, the parent, can help your teen abstain from those things which you know can harm them, if not now, down the road into their future. Talking to your kids about your thoughts on drinking and having sex will help them make the better decision when faced with peer pressure and temptation.

Protect Your Teen

But, sometimes talking isn’t enough to keep your teen out of harm’s way. Teens often view drinking as fun and having sex as a rite of passage, especially at prom, so no matter what you say, if they have their mind set on it, they’re most likely going to do it anyway. So what can you do? Remind them of the consequences they’ll face if they do drink; not only the ones from you, such as grounding, taking their cell phones or cars away, but also the ones from the law. Underage drinking is illegal and the police will be watching. If you know your teen is planning to drink at prom or after, don’t hesitate in calling the police. As mean as it may sound, it is probably the best thing you can do to prevent your teen from future alcoholism or drug problems.

As far as sex goes, again let your teen know how much you care about them and their future. If you feel your teen is going to have sex prom night, arm them with protection. I’m not saying to give them permission, but if you know for a fact they’re planning it, it’s better to have them be protected than not.

Always give your teen a way out by telling them they can call you if they need a ride or just need to taken out of a situation or temptation. Be there for your teen. If a peer or friend is pressuring them into something they don’t want to do, or knows goes against your rules and beliefs, let them know they can always trust and rely on you and that you’re there for them, no matter what!

Prom is supposed to be a fun and exciting time in your teen’s life, but a lot of times it turns out to be harmful for your teen. Know your teen’s plans for prom, where they’re going and who they are going with and at what times. It’s never too late to get involved in your teen’s life, but it could be too late to stop a drunk driving accident or an unexpected pregnancy at prom if you don’t take action beforehand.

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