With some careful planning, however, a party does not have to be a nightmare for a parent. First, the parents should look at their child’s abilities as a host. Does she have enough friends for a large party, or should this be an intimate gathering of close friends? Does she get overwhelmed in a large group? Does she have the social skills to handle the problems that can arise?
If your teen is inexperienced as a host and does not have a great deal of confidence, she might consider asking a more skilled teen to help her. Ask her to select another girl who is good at parties to help her co-host. It should not be difficult to obtain help-most people are flattered if approached correctly. What teen doesn’t want to hear that she is so socially adept that her help is desperately needed? Another option, particularly for a middle school child, is to hire an older teen to help with the party. Choose this teen carefully, since they are serving as a mentor to your child. This mentor can assist in planning, coach the child in party skills, and help solve problems. Often, a teen can be more effective at stopping poor party behavior than an adult can be. I remember a party that was dying until the host’s older brother and his friends came home. The host was nearly in tears, and her brother, taking in the situation quickly, took over. The older boys were a big hit with middle-school girls and soon had everyone playing games and laughing.
Begin your planning by selecting a size. Smaller parties are best for inexperienced teens. Set a realistic budget. The party does not have to be fancy. Simple snacks are sufficient. In some communities, guests contribute to the food supply of a party, but find out if this is how it is done first. Choose a night and a time. Decide what your teen and her friends are responsible for. You should not be doing all the work.
Now the hard work begins. The guest list is the key to a successful teen party. If your teen has friends who are generally well-behaved, the party will run smoothly on its own. Do not let your teen invite trouble-makers. Point out to her that the party needs to stay in control. However, don’t threaten her in such a way that she will be afraid to summon you if things do go wrong. She should choose friends who get along well and who respect adult authority.
Go To Page: 1 2
