It’s warm outside, flowers are in full bloom and most importantly, it’s time for prom! Teens everywhere are preparing for one of the biggest nights of their lives. Guys are working up the nerve to ask out that special girl and girls are waiting to be asked by that special guy. Everyone wants the prom to be a magical experience that they will never forget.

Parents want the day to be just as exciting as their kids, but it’s hard to think about the fun of prom when you are thinking about everything that goes on like drinking, partying and “extracurricular activities.”

Many parents struggle when it comes to walking the very fine line of being a disciplinarian and joining in on the fun, but it’s important to educate teens on how to have fun, but smart and be safe at the same time. Prom can quickly go from being the best night of a teen’s life to the worse night in the blink of an eye. One wrong decision to drink a few beers or stay late at the hotel can change someone’s life forever.

When prom is over and decision time comes for what happens next, teens need to know that just because they attend a party or because their friends may be doing something inappropriate, they don’t have to participate. If they are allowed to go to an after party, they don’t have to drink. If their date or friends decided to drink, make sure they know they can count on you to pick them up. Also, make sure they know they can honestly come to you with any questions or plans when it comes to prom night.

Make sure to talk to kids about your expectations and what can happen if they make a bad choice.

What do you think teens need to know before going to prom?