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Teens enjoy hanging out with friends and having them over for an overnight visit or the occasional party. But because they are still growing and learning, they may not be completely familiar with how to be a good host. Here are some ways in which parents can help to train kids in the art of hospitality.
1. Let kids help with family entertaining. When relatives come to visit, teens can help to prepare a meal, escort elderly folks to the car, arrange seating, and hang up coats. They also can help to serve beverages or snacks. Learning to be considerate of guests is not a difficult task, and when you start with small things, kids will quickly learn how to cater to others' needs. When their own friends begin to come around as they reach their teens, the kids will have a better idea of how to welcome and entertain them.
2. Issue and reinforce household rules. Kids should get used to there being rules from the time they are toddlers. As they grow older, the rules will change, but instant obedience should not. As they enter puberty and adolescence, teens should have a pretty clear understanding of what is and is not acceptable in their homes. For example, foul language, R-rated movies, and friends' smoking may all be off limits with no questions asked. Your teens should be expected and trusted to relay these expectations to their visitors.
3. Keep snacks and entertainment handy. Socialization is an important part of every child's upbringing. Letting your kids invite their friends to your home allows you to keep a watchful eye on their behavior and the influences they are exposed to. Encourage them to have friends over, within reason of course, and keep healthy kid snacks around, such as fresh fruit, pretzels, iced tea or juice, and low-fat (but tasty) cookies or treats. Let your kids listen to the music they enjoy as long as the lyrics aren't vulgar or distasteful and it isn't played so loud that the neighbors call the police.
4. Remind teens of their host duties. These will probably include the need to keep an orderly room at least most of the time, to pick up after guests and not leave packages or a mess laying around, and to offer guests something to eat or drink. Your kids may have to remind stragglers of bedtime or curfew limits, depending on their age. They should encourage their friends to travel safely and never go with strangers while en route to or from your home.
5. Keep a distance. This doesn't mean that parents should never interfere, but it does mean that you want to give your kids some space to handle hosting in their own way. Allow them to make occasional oversights or errors but help them avoid the big ones. Remember, they are still learning, and any new behavior takes time to master. Set a good example when you entertain, as well.
Hospitality is a gift and an art. Not everyone is good at it. But you can give your kids an edge by following suggestions like these.
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