Homecoming is a big night for teens, and a little planning can help keep it fun and safe. Before your teen heads out, take a few minutes to talk through the plan, set expectations, and make sure they know what to do if things change.
Use these five easy steps to make your Homecoming Game Plan together:
1. Get All the Details
Know the plan before they go:
- Where will they be?
- Who will they be with?
- What time will they be there?
- Who is driving?
- How can you reach them?
Agree on a curfew and have your teen check in when they get home.
2. Don’t Forget the After-Party
The dance may end, but the night usually doesn’t. Know what’s happening afterward and where. If your teen is going to someone’s house, connect with the parents and confirm that alcohol will not be available. If you’re able, consider hosting a safe after-party at your home.
3. Make Your No-Use Expectations Clear
Don’t assume your teen already knows where you stand. Say it out loud: “I expect you to stay alcohol- and drug-free tonight.”
Remind them not to use alcohol, marijuana, vapes, or other drugs and never to ride with someone who has been drinking or using substances. Clear expectations matter. When parents disapprove of underage substance use, teens listen.
4. Prepare for Peer Pressure
Give your teen a few responses they can pull out quickly if they’re offered alcohol, a vape, or another substance: “Not my thing.” “No thanks.” “Nah, I’m good.”
It might feel cheesy to practice, but having the words ready can make it easier to say no in the moment. Come up with a code word your teen can text you if they need help getting out of an uncomfortable or unsafe situation. The message can simply mean: “Come get me.”
5. Never Allow or Provide Alcohol to Minors
Here’s the good news: the large majority of Northland youth choose not to drink alcohol, and nearly all Northland parents do not allow minors to drink.
Providing alcohol to teens puts their safety, developing brains, and your family at risk. Protect teens from serious health, personal, and legal consequences by never providing or allowing alcohol use by minors.
If you know about an upcoming party where you reasonably suspect alcohol will be provided to minors, contact your local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency number. You can also anonymously send the Alcohol Parent Up Warning Letter to the adults at the residence.
Homecoming should be fun. The goal isn’t to ruin the night with rules. It’s to make sure your teen has a plan, knows your expectations, and knows you’ll be there if they need you.
Take ten minutes to make the plan. Then let them go have a great night and come home safely.
- Parent Up KC Staff
More to Explore:
- Learn more and find free tools and resources on our Alcohol page
- Check out our Prevent Use page to learn more about what parents can do to prevent underage drinking, marijuana use, and more
- Read more Parent Up Insights
