How to Be a Chaperone at the Prom

You have been asked by your teenager's school to chaperone the prom, which to your teen is a fate worse than being caught with no cell phone. You accepted, but before you get all decked out for the big night, keep in mind that there are a few unwritten rules that you should follow before ordering your limousine.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Dress nice, but not too nice. You shouldn't try to look like one of the prom-goers, but you also don't want to embarrass your teen. Understated elegance should be the fashion for the evening, with moms wearing the classic "little black dress" and dads donning a suit with or without tie.

2. Arrange for your own transportation, and keep a low profile. Even though you and your teen are going to the same place, your teen doesn't want to ride with you, no matter how environmentally correct this may seem. He wants to ride with his friends, probably in a limo, with you arriving at a separate time in a separate vehicle.

3. Remember why you're at the prom. Being at the prom with your teen doesn't mean that this is the proper time or place to get in some quality time. You're a chaperone, and the safety of all the kids is the first priority. So, enforce all school rules and don't tolerate any inappropriate behavior.

4. Give your teen her space. Again, you're not there to bond with your child. Your teen will most likely want nothing to do with you and will probably stay on the opposite side of the room from you at all times. This is normal, so just accept it and try to pretend that tonight you're not her mother, just another chaperone.

5. Forget all the moves you learned watching "Saturday Night Fever." Under no circumstances are you to dance--not on the dance floor or even on the periphery. Nothing is more humiliating to a teen than having his friends witness you doing the Hustle.

6. Take all your photos at home. Your teen doesn't want you to follow her around capturing one film every move she makes. Be like all the other prom parents and snap away on the front lawn as she has her corsage pinned and when all of her friends arrive. She'll take the pictures she wants when she gets there.

7. Treat him like the young adult he is. Check any tendencies you have for babying him at the door. Nicknames are taboo, and straightening his bow tie is out. This is his first hint of a formal occasion, and he needs to handle it himself and not be reminded of mom or dad.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try to be cool because you will ultimately look so uncool. Don't try to act like a teenager or speak their language. Be the adult you are. That's why you were asked there in the first place.
• If an altercation between students arises, don't try to handle it on your own. Seek out the school administrators who are also on chaperone duty for assistance.

Resources

• Provides prom-related articles and merchandise