Making sure that your child has a great time on prom night is important. But, there are a lot of things that can go wrong if you avoid your parental resposibilities of talking with your child and get intimately involved in the planning of their big event.

• Make sure your child has a plan for the evening and that you know it.
• Does the school code of conduct extend to off-site functions that have been approved by the school? Work with the school to have food served during the prom.
• Communicate with other parents and school officials.
• Talk with your child about the dangers of club drugs, warning signs and who to notify for assistance.
• Know who is driving; if it's a limo, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle.
• Know all of the "hot spot" destinations.
• Discuss guidelines and a curfew. Discuss the consequences of violating these rules.
• Stay up for prom-goer's return home.
• Do not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers.
• Discuss the school's prom rules with your child and the consequences for violating them.
• Know who your child is attending the prom with and discuss the events for pre and post prom parties with other parents.
• Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving. Many State laws mandate arrest and license revocation/suspension of any person under twenty-one with .02% or more Blood Alcohol Content (one drink!).
• Take stock of the alcohol in your home.
• Pre-plan and role-play answers that your child can use to get out of uncomfortable situations (e.g. offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver, unwanted sexual advances, etc.)
• Discuss travel plans, use a reputable limousine service that will not allow a person to bring, serve or introduce alcohol into the vehicle.
• Communicate with other parents and school officials.