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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Has anyone else had a house party for teenagers?

59 replies

Spidermama · 02/10/2014 14:45

We're having a house party on Saturday with around 40-50 15/16 year olds. It's DD's 16th birthday.

I'm very nervous. Obviously. But I'm also all for parties because these are the times in life we remember.

I'm looking for any tips from people who've done it.

DH is going to be bouncer and we have a list of names. It's going to be 7pm til 1130pm. We're going to go to the pub at the top of the road for a bit to give them some privacy.

Any tips or shared experience would be greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
suitsyousir · 03/10/2014 21:08

After my nephews 18th I would recommend hiring a portaloo in the front garden if its not too late and make the house one out of bounds. it worked well.

Bowlersarm · 03/10/2014 21:11

Don't go out.

There will be a lot of cigarettes.

They will drink. The 'water' bottles they bring in are loaded with vodka.

They will love it.

It's a nice thing to do Smile

Honeezreturn · 03/10/2014 21:12

Omg you are very brave!
We had 12 for DS 16th it was carnage!!
All bought booze.mainly spirits Shock
Found 2 of them in the garage getting jiggy
vomit in the sink and lounge
we went to asda for an hour or so and came back to the above!
Most of them were drunk when they arrived
never again! 40 is too many imo

dexter73 · 03/10/2014 21:20

I forgot to mention that you should put any valuable items somewhere like the loft. We had a few things taken which pissed me off more than the mess, damage and vomit!

secretsquirrels · 04/10/2014 09:12

Has the OP run away in fear? Grin

Original poster
Spidermama · 04/10/2014 12:24

Ok I get it!! We won't go out. That's 100% sure thanks to this thread. You may have helped me dodge a bullet.

DD and DS (16 and 15) had an illicit party while I was camping a night with my younger ones a few weeks ago in the summer. They had around 70 people here and my friend had to break it up. She's kindly offered to look in on them. BUT it was a brilliant party by all accounts. They cleaned up superbly, got everyone out by 1030ish (to the park) and the worst situation I had to deal with was that they'd stolen a couple of bottles of wine. Well worth it.

I love reading about all your experiences. It's great to know so many people are letting their teens have house parties as I think its exactly what they need at this age.

We have laser lights, disco lava lights,and UV lights with a big UV painted number 16. We also have nice big speakers and an amp. The neighbours have been warned.

I'm not sure about offering a weak punch/cocktails. I think they've already got hold of whatever they're going to bring and anything I offer will be over and above that and will increase the amount of alcohol they consume.

I have food and mixers in abundance. I'm getting very excited now!! Even though I know I'm planning for a party at which I'm not really welcome.

I love your advice and experiences. It's really helping me.

OP posts:
dexter73 · 04/10/2014 12:31

Hope it all goes well and they have a good time! After my dd's slightly out of control party she got loads of messages on her FB page saying thanks for the awesome party so at least they enjoyed it even if I didn't!

specialsubject · 04/10/2014 14:50

40-50? How big is your house?

the queue for the toilet alone makes me worried. Might as well signpost the compost heap (if you have one) for the boys; good for the compost too...

Roussette · 04/10/2014 15:38

I think you are very brave with that number! My DD1 used to keep on and on and on wanting parties all the flippin' time and whilst she did have a few, it was not exactly something I looked forward to as I was always a bit on edge. Her friendship group was great and there would never be a problem there, but it's always the wider edges of those that come the idiots that were a pain. It was always me saying to DH "go and tell so-and-so to stop doing that or it's going to break" and him saying, leave them be, they are just having fun.

It was just the unholy mess to clear up that got me, even if DCs did it more or less themselves.

Roussette · 04/10/2014 15:41

So I never wanted to make the parties that fantastic or she would have wanted them every weekend!

A particularly memorable one was when the spanish exchange students were over. It was a beautiful warm evening and DH and I spent our whole time stopping them coming into the house and going upstairs...

Original poster
Spidermama · 04/10/2014 20:12

It's not due to start for 20 minutes but there are already loads of teenagers here and they've already eaten all the pizza! DH off out to get more. MUCH more!

I'm hiding in the bedroom. Scared!

OP posts:
GaryShitpeas · 04/10/2014 20:19

I dread when my dcs are teens and want this kind of thing.

When I was 15, My parents let me have one once, well it was in the garden, like a big BBQ party. Everyone was completely off their faces and some of my guests were taking it in turns to shag in the shed Blush

Sorry prob not helpful Blush

MrsDavidBowie · 04/10/2014 20:27

I've just had one for dds 18th. 40 teens aged between 15 and 18.
Plus about 6 adults.
Disney themed..everyone came dressed up. (Most are musical theatre wanbabees)
My son and friend ( both 15) were in charge of making Pimms and pizzas.
Did crisps, dips, crudités..then pizza and cupcakes. Plus bowls of M and Ms.
Went through 3 large bottles of Pimms, 60 small bottles of Stella and 40 ciders. Plus soft drinks.
Nobody sick, nobody particularly drink.
In fact the adults were in worse shape ( 12 bottles of Veuve Cliquot)
Key thin..we know most of the kids and know parents.
All gone by 12.

Original poster
Spidermama · 04/10/2014 21:51

I'm hiding in my room now. I had to throw a couple out of here even though there's a massive sign on the door saying KEEP OUT! This is really very full on.

OP posts:
Haffdonga · 04/10/2014 21:59

Hang on in there Spider

Give us updates when you can and ignore all but the most loud crashes and urgent screams. Wink

Original poster
Spidermama · 04/10/2014 22:10

Thanks Haffdonga. DH is outside on the door which is essential. I'm SO glad we stayed here. They really are full on! The all sound happy though singing (shouting) along to all the songs.

I reckon all it'll take to get them out at the right time is for dh and I to start dancing! Throwing some ravey shapes in their midst. Wink

My Jack Russell's not enjoying it but he's helping me guard my bedroom. Just over and hour to go.

OP posts:
MarmiteMania · 04/10/2014 22:20

We had a house party for dd's 16th 120 people. I would get a proper bouncer who is used to the party circuit spotting drugs & smuggled booze. I made some very low alcohol fruit cocktails but of course they turned their noses up & stuck to red bull- luckily the 'sick boxes' dd had thoughtfully scattered were not used (classy eh?)

You CANNOT go out as you have a duty of care, stay in your room with a DVD, pizza and ear plugs.

Enjoy!!!

500smiles · 04/10/2014 22:58

Hope everything is in one piece and they have all shuffled off home

Original poster
Spidermama · 04/10/2014 22:59

They're all still here. Finishing time is 1130 though I reckon it'll be closer to 12. I'm not looking forward to calling time.

OP posts:
Dancergirl · 05/10/2014 08:40

How is everything this morning spider?

500smiles · 05/10/2014 22:40

Oh dear was it that bad that you've gone into hibernation?

DieselSpillages · 06/10/2014 06:42

Lots of food to soak up the alcohol which they will sneak in.
Remove all soft furnishings and rugs.

Close doors with no entry signs for bedrooms. I even took the door off Ds' room so no one could sneak in there for a quick fumble.
Let them know you are present as it will tone down their behaviour, even if you watch a film in your bedroom, pop out occasionally to let them know you are on the case. Good luck !

DieselSpillages · 06/10/2014 06:44

I see I've arrived a little too late for this party Blush

bigTillyMint · 06/10/2014 13:30

Spidermama, what a cool mum you are!

So what are your top tips (not that I'm planning on letting DD have one for her 16th!)?

specialsubject · 06/10/2014 20:03

bit concerned that they demolished the house!!

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