Archive: Around Town

Ask IMOAsk IMO

 Lansing's Advice Column

Dear IMO,

My daughter has been dating this young man for nearly a year. She is a junior, and he is a senior. We were thrilled when he asked her to the Senior Prom, and she, too, is very excited about this important event. There is an after prom party at one of their friend’s home. The friend’s parents will be at home, but they won’t be chaperoning the party. We are concerned about this and would like some advice. Should we let her attend this party? Aren’t the parents responsible for this event? Can we do anything to assist them with this event?

Cathy

Dear Cathy,

The Senior Prom is an important event in the life of a high school student. The fact that they are going to an “After Prom Party” is another great idea, but the fact that it will lack any direct parental supervision raises many red flags. Safety is the first concern. With ma and pa tucked snug in their bed and not expecting to check in on their guests, who will be responsible for the young adults that will be arriving throughout the wee hours of the morning? Who will call the fire department when the cheese fondue pot is accidentally knocked over catches fire?

On a more serious note, who will be there to make sure only invited guests enter the home? Will there be anyone one to handle the crowd . . . besides the County Sheriff? As you can see there are many unanswered questions. I advise you and the other parents to get together with the host parents to discuss your concerns. You and the other parents might offer to sit watch with the post prom partiers in two hour shifts. You can arrange for three or four-two hour shifts wherein each group of parents can wonder about the house chatting with the young people, enjoying some smoors and Diet Dr. Pepper while keeping an eye on things.

This should ease your well founded concerns. If the host parents do not agree to this plan, then have your daughter and her boyfriend join you back at the house for a “Honeymooners Marathon.” Don’t forget the fondue.

E-mail your question to IMO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
----
v3i18