PARTY?

Comments by a Teenager

Teenagers like to have fun and go to parties.  There are many things parents do not know about teenage parties. First of all, they need to know the definition of
 the word "party" as a noun and as a verb. Second, they need to know where these parties are being held.  Third, they need to know when and why teens party. Fourth, they need to know results of teenage parties.  Finally, parents need to know facts about teenage drinking and what they, as parents, can do to regulate it.

Teenagers have two main definitions for the word "party."  Most parents think of a ``party" as a noun, meaning a congregation of two or more youth in one place.  The verb form of ``party" is the definition most parents do not think of or do not want to consider. It means to drink alcoholic beverages and to do other drugs which, in general, means to engage in unhealthy and/or illegal behavior.  Usually most teens just tell their parents they are going to a ``party."

Most parties are held at a teen's house when the parents are away for the weekend or where parents permit underage drinking.  There are other places, too.  Hotels and motels appeal to teens, especially when no home is available, and also, because there will be no neighbors to call the police.  In addition, there are apartment club houses, city parks, parking lots, woods, and bowling alleys.  Furthermore, there are parties on college campuses. University officials report problems with high school youth crashing frat and sorority parties.

Teenagers party anytime. They party on weekends, for social occasions like prom, graduation, athletic events, school dances, and whenever they want to.

Most parents wonder why teenagers party. The top three reasons are to drink, to drink, and to drink.  Additional reasons include other drugs, to impress friends, and to ``be" adults.

The results of teenage drinking are plentiful, but here are a few. Homes, hotels, and motels are ``trashed." Fatal consequences occur as a result of drinking, such as alcohol poisoning and addiction. Drinking and driving often prove fatal.

Parents can do a number of things to help decrease the unnecessary destroying of their teenagers' lives. Some of these are: 1) be aware and informed; 2) know where and what your teenager is doing; 3) set rules about going to parties and enforce them; 4) love your teenager and let him know he is loved.

Parents and teenagers together can create an environment for safe and healthy parties, so all will live to tell about them and have pleasant memories!