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Navigating New Years Eve With Teens and Kids
If you want to stay in with the kids and countdown the New Year with your family then you are already set for a great night! Get some finger food in, set up a floor picnic or set the kitchen table out with grabbable snacks and settle down for the evening with music or movies! However, if you are facing some challenges about what to do with the kids if you do decide to go out or how to keep an eye on your fourteen year old if they decide to stay at a friends, then keep reading!
Go Out, Without The Guilt
Last year, Netflix graciously allowed parents to stage a fake New Years countdown for the kids. They haven't announced if they will be doing the same this year but watch this space. It's a win/win; the kids get to ring in the 'New Year' at 8pm and the parents get to go out and celebrate without feeling guilty about leaving the kids with the babysitter!Keep Your Teens Close
Establish trust if your young teen is planning on inviting a few friends over for New Years Eve without supervision. Firstly, have a conversation with the other parents to make sure they are ok with the arrangement. Then, you should set up some ground rules for the teens regarding what they will be doing and curfews. Discuss safety around consuming alcohol and respectful behaviour....And their friends closer!
It requires even more trust if your young teen is staying at a friends for New Years. Three main things you should check are as follows:
Loosen the Grip on your Older Teen
We know it's near impossible to get a babysitter on New Years Eve and you may have always relied on your teen before but respect that your older teen may have their own plans. It's hard to think of them as almost adults but they do have their own social lives. However, if they are willing to do it, have a brilliant night out!
Whatever way to choose to ring in the New Year, we hope you have a great time doing it!