How to Decide on a Prom Curfew

For many teens, prom can be the biggest event of the year. But for parents, prom can be a hassle. Traditionally, teens are allowed to stay out later than usual, but they still need a curfew.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Consider your teen's plans. If she wants to go to a hotel where there are no adults, she probably needs an earlier curfew than if she wants to go to an after-prom party at the school or a friend's parent's house. If your teen is in a supervised environment, she's less likely to get into trouble, and therefore, time doesn't matter as much. Check with other parents to make sure any events are supervised.
2. Think about your teen's history. If he's gotten into trouble in the past, set an early curfew. If you feel that he's generally a good kid, and if you've met and you trust your teen's date, a later curfew may be appropriate.
3. Be willing to compromise. While most responsible parents won't give their kids a free ticket to be out all night, many realize that expecting them home right after the dance isn't going to be a popular decision. Consider extending the curfew if your teen supplies you with a schedule of events, expected arrival times and contact numbers for various points in the evening. Or consider planning check-ins in advance, with your teen calling you at pre-arranged times.