For teens, Halloween celebrations can sometimes come with scenarios including alcohol and underage drinking. Use these tips to reinforce boundaries and prepare for a fun and safe Halloween:

1. Be aware of the pressures your teens face.

As kids grow up, Halloween becomes less about candy and trick-or-treating and more about having fun with friends. Because of the very nature of Halloween – pretending to be someone or something you’re not – there may be heightened pressure around this holiday to take part in underage drinking to fit in. As a parent, be aware of these pressures and give your kids the information they need to have the self-confidence to say no.

2. Reiterate your expectations.

The holidays are no excuse to change or loosen expectations you’ve set for your kids. Halloween is not a free pass to engage in underage drinking or any other activity you normally deem unacceptable. Be sure your kids are aware of these expectations well before Halloween night.

3. Keep an open dialogue.

Be firm on your expectations, but also give your kids the opportunity to voice their feelings and concerns with you. Allow them to ask questions and express their points of view. More than anything, teens have a need to feel as though they have been heard. Create a connection that enables them to feel as though they can be honest with you.

4. Offer opportunities for your kids to have fun responsibly.

There are plenty of age-appropriate ways for your teens to have fun on Halloween without stepping over boundaries that you’ve set. Here are a few ideas:

·      Take your teen and a few of their friends to a nearby haunted house or corn maze

·      Host a spooky sleepover complete with their favorite sweets and scary movies

·      Let your kids invite friends over to carve pumpkins and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters

5. Have fun.

Above all, remember that Halloween is a time to have fun and create memories with family and friends. Find ways to stay connected while upholding your expectations.

To learn more about enforcing clear boundaries during Halloween and beyond, visit our website.