How to Survive Planning a Sweet Sixteen
Turning 16 is a major milestone in a girl s life, one that parents often celebrate with a party. However, when the girl s idea of a great party conflicts with what Mom and Dad have in mind, disagreements can escalate into tearful blow-ups and family dissension.
Some parents view their daughter s 16th birthday as a coming-of-age celebration that they expect she ll want to share with a group of her closest girlfriends. They may be surprised to learn that she sees the perfect Sweet Sixteen as an invite-everyone, urban-club-style bash.
Fortunately, parents can avoid the Sweet Sixteen planning minefield by setting a few ground rules up front, says Susan Bartell, a Port Washington, New York psychologist who
...all ilk and stripe. Beer and spirits ads promote brand use, yet finish with "drink responsibly" throwaway lines, as though the millions of kids and adults might "just have one". Smoking and cancer are proven bed-fellows, yet brand sellers "pitch" ...
Here s a rundown of strategies to help minimize the most predictable conflicts, plus important subjects you ll want to cover in a sit-down talk with your daughter before her Big Day:
Involve her in the planning
Often, the party budget helps to determine the type of party, where it will be held,
how many guests will be invited, the type of food, and level of entertainment.
Give your daughter the chance to participate in the decision-making. If there is a budget, let her know what it is. Encourage her to think about how she would like the money to be allocated.
If a Saturday night girl/boy party is the celebration of choice, make
...in danger. The danger-feeling that you experience can be either physical danger or emotional danger, such as in the case of public humiliation or embarrassment. 5 Tips on Dealing With Chronic Stress Exercise Regularly Think of stress as pure energy ...
take care of all party arrangements and then disappear, says Bartell. Let her know that you and other adults will be there, she counsels.
Selecting her outfit
Shopping for a dress for a 16-year-old can be fun. It also can turn into a battle of wills, especially if your daughter wants to wear a dress that you feel is too revealing.
It s fine for you to disagree with her choice and to try to steer her away from a particular dress. Just be sure to phrase your objections in terms of the dress, not her. Tell her you think that
...what Mom and Dad have in mind, disagreements can escalate into tearful blow-ups and family dissension. Some parents view their daughter s 16th birthday as a coming-of-age celebration that they expect she ll want to share with a group of ...
for the occasion.
Don t attack her judgment. Gently voice your opinion, but not in a harsh way, advises Bartell.
Suggest that you both look at other styles or see what s available at other stores. Try to keep it positive e.g., I m sure we ll find dresses you ll love even more and that will look fantastic on you.
Choosing the dance music
Another issue that can cause conflict is the choice of music. Unfortunately, some songs by popular artists offer up profanity, references to sex, and the glorification of violence sometimes, all in the same song.
This is a tough one. Parents may
...of breath, tightness of the chest, and the inability to cough up and expel phlegm from the airways. Yuck! Ephedrine is effective in thinning the phlegm and opening the airways by relaxing smooth muscle tissues. Its effects are quick to ...
You may have to compromise and allow the DJ to play at least some music you re not happy about, says Bartell. What s important is to use the discussion about music to reinforce the values that are important to you and your family, she advises.
The toughest part of the planning
Finally, there s an aspect of Sweet Sixteen party-planning that almost certainly will result in discord. Yet it s critically important to address. The issue: Preventing unacceptable behavior at
...in danger. The danger-feeling that you experience can be either physical danger or emotional danger, such as in the case of public humiliation or embarrassment. 5 Tips on Dealing With Chronic Stress Exercise Regularly Think of stress as pure energy ...
We re all smart enough to know that in today s world, It can t happen here is not a statement of fact; it s simply wishful thinking.
Trying to prevent kids from having access to drugs and alcohol at your daughter s party is essential. So, too, is seeking to avoid such other potential problems as teens sneaking off to have sex, or damaging property.
Make it absolutely clear that you will not tolerate these types of behaviors. Let your daughter know exactly how you will respond should any problems arise. Give her plenty of time before the party to talk to her friends and let them know the ground rules.
2007 Celebrate
...am, the Patrolman I was riding with was accompanied on the road by another Patrolman, driving the K-9 Unit car, with a German Shepard that had a look in his eyes that said, Go ahead, and make my day! Let ...
About Celebratewithstyle.com:
Celebrate with Style ( http://celebratewithstyle.com/) is the first guide to creating the celebrations that make life so much richer. It features advice on planning memorable parties for family members and friends, as well as holiday, business, social, and fundraising events. The site offers ideas and advice from experts on festive foods, stylish d cor, dress-up fashion, and beauty. It also provides party planning tools for kids birthdays, coming-of-age celebrations, and wedding-related festivities.