The prom is an exciting event for our teenagers, and quite a bit of fun for us parents too. We swell up with pride and nostalgia when we see our sons and daughters dressed to the hilt in formal wear. Unfortunately, there is also that nagging feeling that sets in. Odds are, someone at the prom will be drinking, or worse. But what can a parent do? Our children are 'old enough' to know better, right? While our teenagers are old enough to know better, teens do not always rely on what they know to make their decisions. Peer pressure, getting caught up in the excitement, and a million other reasons can lead them astray on prom night. For example, what about parents who condone underage drinking? Are they the ones throwing the after prom party? Here is an interesting tidbit from Chronicle-Tribune

Proms and, in a few weeks, graduation parties, too often mean underage drinking. And underage drinking all too often leads to injuries and death in automobile crashes.

Making the tragedy even worse is that sometimes the underage drinking is sanctioned by adults, who host the parties or provide access to alcohol. They may offer all the rationalization in the world, but the bottom line is this: It is illegal, wrong and stupid for underage kids to drink. It's incredibly stupid for them to drink and drive.

Parents are doing their children no favors by condoning underage drinking, even if it's with the excuse "I'll have them drink here so they won't be driving." That's simply unacceptable.

Supplying alcohol to minors is not only irresponsible, it is also illegal -- a Class A misdemeanor for contributing to the delinquency of a minor, which includes providing alcohol to those under 21.

It's a parent's prerogative and responsibility to take steps to discourage teens from drinking alcohol. Adults must protect minors, not abet illegal activity.

Maybe if a few party-hosting parents are arrested, more people would get the idea

I agree, parents who serve alcohol to minors should face the consequences of that action. But, by then it may be too late. Try these tips:

• Talk to your teen, let them know you do not condone underage drinking for any reason.
• Give them a scapegoat ~ you. Roll play and let them use you as the excuse. "My parents would find out, they find out everything! I'd be grounded until I'm thirty!"
• Be available to call for a ride at any time of the day or night.
• Talk and talk often about the dangers of drug use.