<p>Hi folks,</p>
<p>Some of you might remember my thread about my family’s experiences last spring: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1506779-son-s-prom-night-dui-p1.html”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1506779-son-s-prom-night-dui-p1.html</a></p>
<p>(The top post says most of it, but in brief S1 received a DUI after he and friends smuggled vodka into their junior prom)</p>
<p>I wanted to give an update and just kind of a general PSA. Our son just had his senior prom this past weekend, and although it was encouraging to see that the school responded to last year’s events with local police and more teachers on site and a breathlyzer at the door, it doesn’t really seem that the kids really learned anything. S of course did not drink this year (he and a small group of friends were back at our place by 11), but I heard both from him and other parents that there was a ton of underage drinking going on at various other post-prom gatherings. This is a pretty small town and everyone knows what happened last year, but apparently even that wasn’t enough to keep kids from making bad decisions.</p>
<p>I guess I just wanted to remind people now that we’re in prom/grad party season that alcohol is everywhere at these events and that even “good kids” can be pulled into it. Our son, both before and after the incident, has been a model “good kid” in just about every way possible (top of his class, leadership in clubs, polite, mature, etc) but he made a bad decision when surrounded by other kids making bad decisions and he could have paid very dearly for it. What I’ve learned from this is that parents need to be proactive in preventing underage drinking, no matter how much trust they have in their children.</p>
<p>Amen to everything you said. Thank you for posting and updating your son’s experience. He at least learned from it. Best of luck to him.</p>
<p>Thanks for the update-I was thinking of you as we plan a vacation that will take us to NC this summer. Good news about your son-hopefully his post HS plans have met expectations despite last year’s experiences.</p>
<p>Thank you for the update, and glad to know your son is doing well. I recall it was a very scary time last year, and am relieved it has all gone well for your son. Disappointing to hear that his peers have not reacted with the same carefulness that he has. </p>
<p>As someone with two teenage boys, I am continuously surprised by the potential bad decisions they can be just one small step away from. And they do, sometimes, take that step, no matter how well raised, how smart, how “good” they are. Parenting toddlers was much easier than parenting teens. </p>
<p>@sseamom Yes, fortunately things did work out there despite the speedbump. He’s going to UNC-Chapel Hill, which was his second choice but was (quietly) my wife and I’s first choice (by a wide margin). Glad you’ll be visiting our state this summer–Outer Banks?</p>
<p>@Midwestmomofboys Seriously! I thought my mother was insane 18 years ago when she insisted babies were “easy.” Now I understand!</p>
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<p>Glad your son is doing well. I agree about the bad decisions and not learning from others’ mistakes. In my area, so many kids are gettiong busted for possession of weed. Yet the others - very close friends of theirs - continue to think they won’t get caught…until they get busted.</p>
<p>NorthCarolinaDad, thanks for the update. </p>
<p>I have thought that your previous thread should be required reading for all HS kids (and their parents!)…whether going to prom or not…</p>
<p>Congrats to all on UNCH!</p>
<p>Thanks for the update I was actually thinking of your thread earlier this week. </p>
<p>NCdad-we’re combining a vacation with college visits (of COURSE, this is CC!). We’ll be in Greensboro to look at Bennett and NCAT. Congrats on your Chapel Hill and that it’s somewhere you’re ALL happy about.</p>
<p>I remember your thread so well. Glad that it’s worked out for your ds.</p>
<p>Best to your son, OP. Where is he headed to next year?</p>
<p>I remember your thread very well, too and really appreciate you coming back. Best of luck to your son!
I have to say it’s not always kids making bad choices but, in some cases, parents allowing kids to drink. This goes on far too often where I live. </p>
<p>@sseamom Enjoy your visit! Those are both very nice campuses.</p>
<p>@jym626 UNC Chapel Hill. It was his 2nd choice after William and Mary (which he was very upset over) but he warmed up to it quickly this spring and he’s excited now. Alma mater for both my wife and I so we’re thrilled.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for the wellwishes.</p>
<p>great school!! Congrats!!</p>
<p>UNC Chapel Hill is a great school (too bad my kiddo chose to go elsewhere for her Master’s)! I’m glad that everything seems to be going fine. Thanks for the update. </p>
<p>Thanks for the update. Recently I was wondering about your son when I heard about other proms this year. </p>
<p>You should consider posting similar reminder/link prior to the 2015 proms. It’s “sober reading” for all parents. </p>
<p>NorthCarolinaDad, count me in with those who remember your thread very well. I was impressed at the time by the thoughtfulness, openness, and care with which you discussed the situation and dealt with your son, who truly sounds like a wonderful young man. I think your thread was required reading in many households.</p>
<p>Thank you for the update. I am glad everything worked out well, and I hope your son has a wonderful year next year.</p>
<p>@ North Carolina Dad, I remember your thread very well and it’s been on my mind. I’m so glad everything worked out for him and your family. </p>
<p>Wonderful update, thanks for sharing. I remember being in the car last May - attending S1’s college graduation - and following your thread the whole time! So glad it all worked out.</p>
<p>Thanks, NC dad. Glad all went well.
S came home last night and informed us that his group is hiring a limo for prom. Not that I think they will be drinking (although never say never), but I think it’s a great idea.</p>