Planning a teen party might seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it can be a blast! You want your child (or children) to have fun without losing control. Here are some essential tips and tricks for organizing a memorable party that your kids and their friends will cherish.
Party Planning
Step 1: Find a Helper.
Find yourself a helper. Keeping an eye on the party without disrupting the teens' vibe is a balancing act that requires a friendly approach. Having a second pair of eyes will help you keep your cool while monitoring a larger space. If there will be teens of both genders at the party, having a helper of the opposite sex can assist with any issues that may arise.
- If you know someone in their twenties who is trustworthy and capable of managing the situation, ask for their help. Explain the rules to your helper and the partygoers, then retreat to another room where the party isn't happening. Check on them from time to time under the pretense of grabbing something from the fridge.
Step 2: Set a Party Budget.
Establish a budget for the party. Plan it with your child to involve them in the decision-making process. The good news is that teens' favorite foods—chips, soda, hot dogs, and pizza—won’t break the bank.
- How much do you need to spend on food and drinks? On ambiance? On entertainment? Plan everything so that your budget doesn’t end up looking like a squeezed lemon after the party.
- Fortunately, most teens are “too cool” for themed parties, so the best bet is to keep it simple unless your child specifically requests otherwise.
Step 3: Find a Venue.
Choose a venue for the party. If you're planning a small gathering, your home might be perfect. For larger parties, consider setting up tables and barbecues in a park (for an outdoor event) or renting a space like a hall or community center (for more formal occasions).
- Be prepared for inclement weather. If you're holding the party in the garden or backyard, have a gazebo ready in case the weather changes. Or be ready to invite the teens inside.
Step 4: Create a Guest List.
Make a guest list. How many friends does your teen want to invite? How many can you accommodate without feeling overwhelmed? Work with your child to reach a compromise, ensuring they have a say; discussing the basic rules will also help manage any uninvited guests who might show up.
- Always expect a few extra guests beyond your anticipated number. Parties, especially teen ones, often rely on word of mouth and can grow based on who shows up. Always have a contingency plan in place.
- When considering the guest list, don’t forget about parking space. Just because your backyard can hold 20 people doesn’t mean there’s room for 20 cars outside.
- Don’t allow your child to invite anyone you’re not comfortable with.
Step 5: Set the Date and Time.
Determine the date and time. Knowing the exact start and end times will make it easier to manage guests who linger.
- Set a soft and hard end time separately. The soft end time is when your child or helper starts ushering guests out. The hard end time is when the party must end.
- Plan the party for the beginning of a weekend or holiday, so guests aren’t worried about school the next day.
- Also, ensure that other teens aren’t throwing a party at the same time; the last thing your child wants is to have fewer guests because someone else is hosting on the same day.
- Let your neighbors know about the party in advance. This will make them more lenient about the noise.
Step 6: Let Your Child Send Invitations.
Allow your child to send out invitations. Paper invites are not cool for teens, especially if parents send them. Let your child send invitations through text, social media, or email, but make sure these are private invites that not everyone can see. Ask for RSVPs so you can plan accordingly.
- Be flexible. Teens aren’t known for their reliability, so don’t be surprised if many more or fewer guests show up than expected.
Step 7: Hide Valuables.
Hide valuables. If you’re hosting a large party, store all valuable or fragile items in a room that no one will enter. Generally, teens can be trusted, but it’s good to be cautious, especially if a few attendees might not be trustworthy. By hiding valuables, you protect them from theft or damage.
Step 8: Define Party Zones.
Define the zones for the party. Ideally, there should be a dance area, a drink and food station, and a chill-out zone (like a separate table for ping pong, Wii, or Guitar Hero). If you have outdoor space for a fire pit, you can extend the chill zone outside where guests can barbecue. At this point, pay close attention to your child, as they know best what their friends will enjoy.
- If your child decides to decorate, look for affordable decorations at a dollar store or during sales/second-hand shops; those things can add up.
- Prepare large, clearly marked trash bins. The fewer excuses guests have for making a mess, the better.
- Consider getting a dimmer switch for the lights. Dancing teens scatter faster than cockroaches when an adult turns on the lights. Since you probably don’t want to deal with the aftermath of bright lights, a dimmer will work for everyone.
Step 9: Take Care of the Music.
Make sure there’s music. All you need are decent speakers and an mp3 player connected to them. Don’t try to be the DJ; every teen likely has hundreds (if not thousands) of songs on their phones and players. And even if they don’t, they probably won’t want to hear your outdated music.
Step 10: Prepare the Food.
Take care of the food. Teens love to snack, so set up a buffet where they can help themselves. Chips, pretzels, and dry snacks are great, but don’t forget to include a veggie platter and some vegetarian snacks for health-conscious teens. There should also be some kind of dessert, whether it’s candy, cookies, or cake.
- Use disposable dishes. Cleanup will be much easier after the party if you use disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
During and After the Party
Step 1: Don’t Hover During the Party.
Don’t hover during the party. Prepare for noise, spills, broken items, and conflicts. While it’s important to monitor a teen party, avoid being overtly present. Allow your child to have fun and feel a bit embarrassed.
- Ask your child to inform you if any issues arise. Tell them in advance to be sure to let you know if something goes wrong.
- There’s always a possibility that alcohol or drugs may appear at the party. If you trust your child and know they hang out with decent and responsible teens, this shouldn’t be an issue. However, if it does happen, don’t take it out on your child. Keep an eye on what’s going on, and if you see any drugs or alcohol that you haven’t approved, calmly ask the responsible parties to leave. If they refuse, call their parents.
Step 2: Don’t Show Obvious Affection to Your Child During the Party.
Avoid showing overt affection to your child during the party. You love your child, and seeing them interact and have fun with their friends can evoke sentimental feelings. However, visible signs of affection—hugs, kisses, pet names, etc.—are a death knell for your child’s sense of independence. Hold back.
Step 3: Avoid Surprises Your Child Doesn’t Know About.
Avoid surprises your child isn’t aware of. If you plan to invite a mime for an impromptu performance, remember: kids have a clear idea of how they want their party to go. Plus, they don’t find adult “surprises” exciting.
Step 4: Let Your Child Clean Up After the Party.
Let your child clean up after the party. This is the price of a great party. Make cleanup fun for them:
- Suggest recycling paper and bottles after the party for some cash. If it’s a big party, they can clean up in various ways!
- Play music, put on a movie, or let a few close friends help them out. Six hands are always better than two.
Step 5: Give Your Teen an Incentive.
Provide your teen with an incentive. Tell them that if they behave maturely, you’ll let them throw another party, or otherwise increase their responsibilities. Life is full of risks and rewards, and your child understands this well, even if they haven’t studied economics.
