To teenagers, the prom is one of the biggest events in their lives. A chaperone can make or break it with one wrong word or phrase. On the other hand, you are responsible for their safety. Therefore, chaperoning a prom isn't easy. For help, follow these tips.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: One Evening
Here's How:
- Go over school procedure for mishaps at least a week before the prom. Then ask the school administration any questions you have.
- Dress the part. The teens attending the dance will be in formal wear, you should be also.
- At the start of the event, put a smile on your face and greet the prom guests. You are not a guard dog, you are a chaperone whose job responsibilities includes hosting. Hosts generally smile.
- Mingle. Go around to different tables and see how the guests are doing. Are they having a good time? Is there anything that they need? Split this job with other chaperones and be sure to visit every table.
- Do not conglomerate in a corner with other chaperones. Be visible, but not in the way of the guests.
- If a couple or group of teens are dancing inappropriately, firmly walk out into the dance floor and tap them on the shoulder or back. Have them follow you off the dance floor and follow school procedure. Do not yell. After this instance is taken care of, put the smile back on your face for the rest of the guests. Do not gossip about the instance.
- If a teen or group of teens appear intoxicated or high, politely ask them into a hallway, away from the other guests, and follow school procedure. Do not yell. After this instance is taken care of, put the smile back on your face for the rest of the guests. Do not gossip about the instance.
- Do not be 'the life of the party'. While the guests may get a kick out of seeing you dance, especially if you are their teacher, it is not appropriate to dance all night.
- Say goodnight with the same shining smile that you gave them as they came in. You'll be tired, but strive to end the evening on an upbeat note.
- Do not leave until every guest has departed. Check the halls, bathrooms, and parking lot.
Tips:
- Schools have procedures for prom night. Follow these, as they have been thought out and are there for a purpose. If you find there is not a procedure for an instance, ask another chaperone for their opinion before doing anything.
- Chaperones with the mostest are prepare for small mishaps. Carry a bag with a sewing needle, black and white thread, safety pins, and a laundry stain stick. Put this bag where you can find it during the dance and be prepared to help when it is needed.
- Are you allowing your teenager to attend a post prom party?
Parenting Quizzes for Parents of Teens
