it’s prom time
it’s prom time Parents, do you know where your kids are? By Crystal Kassab Jabiro The prom itself is well-supervised – it’s before and after where trouble can brew. The Senior Prom is a memorable night of dinner and dancing with classmates before heading off into “the real world.” It is supervised by school staff, facility employees and sometimes parents — but what happens before and after needs to be managed as well. There are several important details that moms and dads must discern — the date, time, and location of the prom; with whom your child is going, whether it is a date or a group of friends; and, most importantly, where the teens will be before and after the actual prom. Pre and Post Partying It may be a nice idea to host a pre-party with appetizers and soft drinks or an after-party with late-night snacks and music. Connect with other parents and invite them to attend the party as well. Do not condone alcohol, not even with the adults. It is important to set the example — even if for only this one night – that you don’t need alcohol to have a fun time. If your child is invited to such a party, make a friendly phone call to the host’s home and ask if there will be supervision Local Prom Nights SCHOOL DATE TIME LOCATION and the time frame. Give your teen a curfew and demand it be honored. Some well-meaning parents host parties and allow underage guests to drink “as long as they don’t drive” in an effort to curb drunk driving, but this is very dangerous. Not only is it illegal, those parents can be held liable and face fines and possible jail time. It’s also in poor taste to make such decisions when other parents may likely reject such an idea. To and From A majority of prom-goers opt for a limousine or party bus, and it is paramount that a parent takes care of this. Make sure the limo is licensed with the state and be sure to speak directly to the chauffer before and after. It is common for teens to bribe the driver in order to allow liquor in the car, or even to sneak it in themselves. Clearly state to the driver — and the kids – that this is unacceptable. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among 15 to 20 year olds and one-third of alcoholrelated fatalities that occur in April, May and June (prom season) are attributed to teenage drunk driving. But riding in a limo does not necessarily make it Mercy High School Thursday, May 19 7-12 The Roostertail, Detroit Madison High School Friday, May 20 7-11 Blossom Heath Inn, St. Clair Shores Bloomfield Hills Lahser Saturday, May 21 6-10 The Ovation Yacht, Jefferson Beach Marina, St. Clair Shores Cousino High School Friday, May 27 7-11:30 Palazzo Grande, Shelby Township Harrison High School Wednesday, June 1 7-11 Royal Park Hotel, Rochester North Farmington Thursday, June 2 7-11 Dearborn Inn, Dearborn Walled Lake Central Thursday, June 2 7-12 Suburban Collection Showcase, Novi Walled Lake Northern Thursday, June 2 7-11 Shenandoah Country Club, West Bloomfield West Bloomfield High School Thursday, June 2 7-11 Detroit Yacht Club, Detroit Stevenson High School Monday, June 6 7-11 Penna’s, Sterling Heights Sterling Heights High School Thursday, June 9 7-12 Cherry Creek Golf & Banquet Center, Shelby Township Utica High School Thursday, June 9 6:30-11 Palazzo Grande, Shelby Township safer for teen drinkers. Drinking can lead to a hoard of other issues such as memory loss or even date rape. The Hotel Room Parental involvement in the “partying” is a good deterrent from the traditional hotel room night. Teens often rent a local room to drink, smoke marijuana, gamble and engage in sexual activity. It is not uncommon for girls to think of prom night as being “the night” they have sex for the first time, and many guys believe they will get some sexual gratification. Local hotels are aware of the prom season and may dissuade teens from renting rooms, but their control is limited because the minimum age requirement is 18. Brian Ibrahim, an ESL teacher at Madison High School, hears the hallway talk about limousines and house parties, but his main concern is the underage drinking coupled with driving. He believes that prom is surely “a waste” when a kid cannot remember it. “Besides, you’re not only endangering yourself but others,” said Ibrahim. “Be safe.” The assistant varsity football coach knows kids act behind their parents’ backs, as he is among teenagers every day. Regardless, he wants moms and dads to understand that it may not be their own kids, but other people’s kids who can coax them into inappropriate behavior. “Be open about letting your kid experience prom but be aware of what the evening holds,” Ibrahim advised. “Keep in touch with them throughout the night, even by text message. Remind them it is supposed to be a special event and inform them of the dangers. Make an agreement; be on the same page.” Certainly, not all kids will engage in risky behavior, but it is important for parents, especially those who did not attend American schools, to understand the potential hazards of prom night. The No. 1 prevention? An open line of communication. 26 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2011
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