As your girl starts growing up, you’ll be faced with many new scenarios that will warrant a discussion. From driving to university, to first boyfriends, this is a tumultuous age for young women. With the teenage years also come dances. Homecoming and prom have become important social milestones for girls in high school. For many girls, prom is the highlight of their senior career. It marks the end of an era for them and the departure (for many) from the lives they have known for so long. They will be leaving high school, their friends, and often leaving home as well to attend post-secondary schools.
Of course, this is a big day for you as well. As a parent, making sure your teenage daughter is prepared for prom falls into two categories: making sure she’s having fun, and making sure she’s safe. While you may trust your daughter, the night of prom can be full of temptations. Keep in mind that she may do some things you don’t agree with, but as long as she is safe and aware, you will have to let some things go.
If you have a teenage daughter who’s getting ready to head to homecoming or prom, here are some tips you can use to make sure she enjoys her time and still stays safe.
1. Help her shop for a dress
This is probably a given, but joining your daughter as she shops for her dress is a great bonding experience. Prom dresses 2019 are incredibly varied and come in every color, cut, and style, which means that it will be much easier for your daughter to find a prom dress that suits her personality and style. If she likes short ones, you can also encourage her to check out JJ’s House, which has a variety of short prom dresses at affordable prices.
2. Find out what their plans are for the evening
Depending on your daughter, she may not love the idea of you knowing where she is at every moment on prom or homecoming night, it’s vital that you’re firm about this. Your teen should give you a full rundown of where she will be throughout the evening: at whose houses will she be getting ready, for how long, and how they are getting to and from there. You should also request regular check-ins so that you know she’s safe and everything is going to plan.
3. Be clear about why you’re worried
Make sure that your daughter understands that you aren’t concerned about prom or homecoming night because you mistrust her, but because of the risks associated with the night. The pressure of such a big night can lead to impulsive decisions concerning drugs, alcohol, and sex. While your teenager may seem exasperated with this conversation, it’s important that she understands precisely the risks you’re concerned about.
On you’re part, make it explicitly clear what drugs, what alcohol consumption, and what sexual concerns you’re worried about. While we may want our daughters to stay babies forever, the simple fact is that they won’t, and they need to be prepared to address these difficult situations.