How To Get Organised For Your Teenager's Debs

The thoughts of your teenager's debs may cause you to break out in a mild rash such is the worry of making sure everything runs smoothly.

The thoughts of your teenager's debs may cause you to break out in a mild rash such is the worry of making sure everything runs smoothly, but it doesn’t have to be so stressful. The debs is a wonderful experience for both teenagers and their parents, and it is important you don't let the stress get to you too much.
To help make the occasion run a little smoother, (without leaving you with a major headache: we have the following suggestions: 
Pick the outfits - Picking the outfit can be one of the biggest jobs, once your teenager decides to go to the ball. Regardless of whether you have a young lad or young lady, they will equally, want to look their very best. This means shopping for suits, ball gowns, shoes, and bags. It may be a little easier or the lads but deciding on the right suit can take time. For the ladies, it is all about accessories and it takes a huge amount of shopping trips followed by consideration. It is a minefield.
Plan the journey - How are your teenagers getting there and who will be bringing them? The most important thing is them getting there safely and knowing they are going to be collected at the right time too. You could consider carpooling with other parents to get the youngsters there and make sure you do so ahead of time! It is vital that they have a way there and back, so they aren’t hanging around for hours on end with no supervision.
Accept it is different for teens today - You may or may not have gone to a ball when you were younger, and you probably did go to the debs, but balls are now normal from 4th year onwards. It may not be the biggest deal to you, but it matters to your kid. It is a completely different ball game to when you headed to a debs or a ball. It is acceptable for your teen to go alone or with a partner. Most will attend with friends and this is wonderful that young people are a lot more confident to arrive alone or with pals.  
Encourage your teenager to have fun - You may be worrying but you need to encourage your teenager to have fun. It is a big event so try not to stress them out before it by going on and on about boys/girls or what they will be doing. Try to trust your teenager but remind them of what you expect of their good behaviour and the rules…
Remind your teenager of the rules - The rules are the rules and teenagers need to understand the basics of what is ok. There needs to be a conversation about alcohol and behaviour. It won’t be pretty, but it must be said to ensure your teen knows. Of course, they may make mistakes, but you should try and trust that your teenager will behave maturely for the ball.
Be happy - Your teenager is going to their first ball so be proud! Take photos and note the date of the day itself to remember. Be proud of the occasion that it is for your teenager and have the proud parent moment snapping photos and calling in the neighbours for tea!
Emma Hayes is a thirty-something mum of two girls aged 16 and 10, planting her right into the teenage and tween-age years! Follow her on Twitter at @EmmaHayes25.

Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes is a busy mum to two girls aged 17 and 11 and is married to her childhood sweetheart.

Read more by Emma
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