High school prom is a memorable time in the life of your adolescent. We all have vivid memories of wearing our first tuxedo, renting a limousine, placing a corsage or boutonniere on the wrist or lapel of our date, and posing for a million flash pictures our parents took to capture this moment in our lives. At a cost of nearly $1,150 for parents, which includes tickets, dress and tuxedo rental as well as limo cost, dinner and associated expenses, there are some things you should consider to help make prom a safe, smart and memorable experience.
These tips include having a conversation with your teen and creating a contract or understanding regarding behavior on prom night, being cost conscious and frugal, and keeping an open line of communication for your teen to reach out to you during prom night. It is important to remember your role as parent at all times and to maintain the proper perspective toward the night to make it special and enjoyable.
Create a Contract for Prom Night with Your Teen
One of the things that can help bring you peace of mind and make the night special for your teen is for you to create a contract of sorts for prom night. This "agreement" should explicitly discuss your mutual expectations for conduct and behavior on prom night. Include in this agreement such things as a no drinking covenant, a no sex covenant and a curfew. Discuss each of these points with your teen and make sure you express why it is important that these covenants be observed. The agreement can serve as a basis for having an honest and open discussion about prom and helping your teen understand what is expected of them.
Create a Budget and Stick to It
Because prom costs money, you should also sit down and set a budget for the big day. It may be advisable that you have your teen engage in some work for pay around the home or a part-time job to help defray some of the costs associated with prom. You can also choose to reward certain behaviors, such as getting good grades, keeping their room clean and other type activities as a way to justify the outlay for prom.
It is easy to go overboard as a parent so you need to instill in yourself the same level of discipline that you want to see from your teen. Look for bargains and discounts on the major purchases such as the prom dress or tuxedo rental. If you must rent a limo, try to pool resources with other parents and share the ride.
Create an Understanding of When to Call if Your Teen Needs Help
Your child should understand implicitly that you are behind them one hundred percent and will stand and support them no matter what happens. Even with a pre-prom agreement in place, if your child finds themselves in a situation beyond their control, they need to know that they can call you. Keep that line of communication open and let your teen know that if having fun at prom crosses a line you are the first person they should call.
This article was provided by Karen Winslow, cautious mother and online business owner. If you're helping your daughter along with her prom plans, Karen recommends Very Venzant for dress options.
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