Most of us enjoy going to parties and having a good time - adults do and so do young people. It can be a source of pride and satisfaction seeing your young person going out, mixing with friends and becoming an independent young adult. It can also be a source of very real concern with the potential for conflict, but there are steps you can try so things go more smoothly.

Good, open communication with your young people - being genuinely interested in who they are, what they do, like, think and feel, and sharing your own thoughts and experiences - is important. Building a trusting and honest relationship creates the basis for dialogue and discussion on important issues, if they arise.