yep, until my friends and i could drive i was at home all the time

Here are two websites, one from the government and the other from State Univ. of NY, both reputable sources. In my opinion, I would like to be able to let my teen drink at home in the context of family gatherings, etc. to remove the taboo, sneaking around, etc. Hosting parties for teens is just asking to get in trouble with the law, so I wouldn’t do it. Also, whatever the drunk teens do after they leave your house, you will have contributed to causing it and could be held legally responsible.

If that’s the whole story, you giving her a ride home, no problem. Why are you worried? Who don’t you trust…her or you?

The last I checked I am not the “Library of Congress”. If you want an opinion or a life experience this is the place. If you need resource material for a paper use the library like everyone else.

As long as the kid isn’t going to set the house on fire, knows all the emergency numbers, and can take care of themselves, it is probably fine. My parents first let me stay home overnight alone when I was 14. I think that’s about a good age.

Don’t let him leave the house.. haha

If my teen was immature–of course I would. If I felt she wouldn’t have a hard time with a baby–then I think she should make her own choice. I wouldn’t like it that the father (boyfriend) wouldn’t be able to live with. I think it’s just as important to educate teen fathers as it is to educate teen mothers. Of course, I would hope that I could have taught her how do do everything you mentioned, if she just “didn’t get it”–I’d for sure send her to a place like that.

I wouldn’t send her to a place like that to save myself shame or embarassmet–I’d be a grandma and I’d have to brag! I’d send her because that’s what would be best for her to learn to be a great parent and independent mother.

17 but it’s not easy without a good job and a place to live.

Only if she wants to go. It seems pretty out-moded. A friend of mine did that 30 years ago when she was pregnant. She wound up leaving – she was over 21….. Personally I’d keep her home and see her thru it – and do everything the home was doing. I think a pregnant woman needs as much emotional support as she can get from family and loved ones during the time as they are terribly hormonal (don’t you remember what it was like?)?

What would you rather have? Your own teen drinking in your home in your presence and you are in control of the amount they can drink and letting them know when enough is enough, or going to someone’s random house to a party or to a friends house and not having any control of what they are drinking and how much. I would pick the first choice.