From the Expert
Setting expectations up front is key when your teen is planning a house party. Ask your teen what you can do to make this a great event. After listening, explain what’s important to you. Come up with an agreement that includes no going into bedrooms and no alcohol or drugs. As a parent, you can be held liable, so if your teen protests, blame the rules on that. It can be difficult for teens to patrol their peers, so parents should supervise. If rules are broken, enforce consequences such as taking away cell phone or car privileges. I recommend against sleepovers because so many problems can arise, especially when uninvited guests crash a party. But I encourage parents to make their house the friendly hangout for teens, with plenty of food and a relaxing atmosphere. When they come to your house, you can control the environment.
Sean Covey, author of The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens