Parents Hosting Teen Parties, Be Smart and Safe

 High school graduations bring all kinds of emotions for teens and parents alike.

 There is a cross section of emotions for parents from elation and pride of your child's academic accomplishment to sadness, knowing that your little one has grown up so fast. And for those parents hosting a graduation party, there's some trepidation that comes with such responsibility.

 Yes, you want to host a party because this is a momentous academic milestone you're celebrating, after all. But hosting a party places you at incredible risks. It could make a teen or child a statistic and put you in legal as well as financial trouble..

 Alcohol related fatalities spike during this time of year, in particular because of the amount of teen partying that occurs. A recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report revealed that more than 60 percent of traffic fatalities in the 15-to-20 age group that occur during the weeks of graduation are alcohol-related.

 Remember Parents Who Host, Lose The Most.  Many well-meaning parents think that it is enough to take away car keys at their teen's parties so the teens can't drink and drive. Parents provide the alcohol or allow alcohol to be consumed based on the false belief that it's a rite of passage, especially at prom and graduation parties.

 You're probably well aware of what it takes to throw a fun, yet safe graduation party. But you could always use more help. Here are some tips:

• Stick to a guest list - no strangers
• Lay down the 'no alcohol, no drugs, no tobacco' law and stick to it!
• Secure all forms of alcohol in your home in a safe place
• Contact parents of anyone who arrives in possession of alcohol or under the influence