We are just days away from the fall equinox, meaning that autumn will arrive in full force for the upcoming high school homecoming season. This fall rite of passage is highly anticipated by the kids. They love to dress up in their finery for a night of high fashion, dancing and mingling with their peers.
But what about the danger they can face? Below are some homecoming safety tips for parents to implement that might keep their kids safer.
Arrange for a sober driver
Ideally, no teen should be drinking alcohol, let alone driving after imbibing. But some parents have to only look back to their own teenage years to recall how, in the past, that was honored more in the breach than the observance.
Parents may want to band together to hire a limo with a driver or even a party bus to transport the kids safely to dinner, the dance and any after-parties. Drivers will also not allow underage drinking to occur (another plus!).
Network with other parents
Will that after-party really be supervised by responsible adults? Find out now by discussing teens’ plans with their parents or guardians ahead of time. You may even want to host your own midnight breakfast to assess the kids’ sobriety before turning them loose to get home.
Have a code word or phrase for teens to use
Pick something mundane but specific (“sweater” or “tennis shoes” work well) that your teen can easily work into a conversation to alert you that your teen is uncomfortable and needs to be taken home.
Teach your child that they can call you any time or place, and you will come get them and bring them home. Any repercussions can be dealt with later.
If your teen gets injured in a car wreck
It’s every parent’s nightmare that they one day receive the call that their child was injured (or worse) in an auto accident. If your teen gets hurt in a collision with another driver, you may need to explore their legal options to get compensated for any damage or losses.