Carnage. This is the word most frequently used to describe teenage parties in SW London. Although I’m sure it’s not just restricted to SW London.
I have heard many horror stories. Furniture being broken, projectile vomiting, bathrooms left in a disgusting unusable state, teenagers so high on something they are uncontrollable, comatose guests whose parents need to be called, or worse an ambulance and so the list goes on.
So, it won’t surprise you that it was with some trepidation that we made plans for a joint 18th for my daughter and one of her best mates.
The benefit of having an 18th later in the school year is that you can learn from other people’s experience and most of the kids invited are 18 and so are theoretically better at dealing with the alcohol fuelled frivolities.
So we had the party on Saturday. And I am relieved to tell you we survived and the word on the street is it was great. Phew!
The parental goals were very simple. Firstly, that the birthday girls have a wonderful celebration and secondly to avert any dramas or disasters. So vigilance was key and yes, 4 parents were at this party, sober for over 6 hours. I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend a Saturday night that way?!
The only real roles you have in this scenario are financial and sorting out problems. Basically you have to be as invisible as possible until they need you. Then you swoop in and out as quickly and effectively as possible.
So this is what I can tell you. The girls planned an awesome party and this is what worked for us:
A good theme for decorations and fancy dress – The girls chose “Under the Sea”. People came as sharks, dolphins and there was a lot of beachwear.
A venue, used to the drunk and disorderly - we booked a local rugby club.
Security guards, ID checks and a guest list. If your name is not on the list, you’re not coming in.
Good DJ/playlist – the girls spend a long time compiling the music. It was hit and the dance floor was packed all night.
Food. The girls were ambivalent but myself and the other mother were insistent. So at about 10.30pm we brought out pizza and cupcakes – which went down very well.
Luck – I don’t underestimate this. We prepared for everything we could think of but you never how things will actually turn out.
I can’t tell you how grateful I am to everybody concerned for how well it went. Security guards, bar staff, venue organizers – everyone was fantastic.
And also, teenagers can get a bad rap; but they were well mannered and polite. And some were extremely entertaining.
And yes, I was invisible-ish for most of the night. But I did heavily negotiate for dancing privileges and was told I could dance to two songs…and I made the most of it.
So we were lucky to come out with a positive view on the madness of teenage parties. What are your experiences?