One Month before Prom:

___Prom Tickets - Purchase your tickets or make sure that your date has purchased them. ___Hair and Nails - Make appointment to have your hair and nails done. Find an experienced beautician to do your hair. Ask to see photos of other formal prom hairstyles that he/she has done. If they can’t show you photos find someone else. ___Make Final Plans - Make plans with your date or friends for before and after Prom activities. Don’t assume that you will be cruising around with your friends. Make a definite plan so there are no surprises when your friends make alternate plans. ___Tux - Has your date ordered his tux? Make sure that he does. ___Inform Parents of Plans - Give your parents details of your evening plans. Give them places, times and phone numbers for emergencies. ___Inform Your Date of Your Expectations - Time to have "that" talk with your date. Let him know your expectations so that he will not expect any more. ___Break in your Shoes - You don’t want your shoes to ruin your night. Start wearing your prom shoes around house to break them in. The more comfortable they are, less you feet will hurt by end of evening.

Two weeks before prom:

___Corsages and Boutonniere - Order matching corsages and boutonnieres. ___Confirm all appointments - You don’t need any surprise cancellations to ruin your evening. ___Dental - Have your teeth cleaned.

Prom Day! It is finally here!: ___Boutonniere - Pick up your dates boutonniere ___Hair - Go to beauty shop to have your hair done in a formal hairstyle. ___Nails - Get a manicure ___Eyebrows - Pluck your eyebrows

Prom Night:

___Pictures!! - Don’t forget to have your parents take lots of pictures!

Now, get to prom and have a blast!!

The second step is to ask questions that will create meaningful conversation. The typical responses to “How was your day?” are “Good” or “Fine.” Ask open ended questions instead of closed ended questions that result in one word responses. Ask specific rather than general questions that will stimulate your child to think. Show your child that you have a genuine interest in what is going on in his/her life. Don't force this process, let it come naturally and soon your child will respond. Ask casually and soon your child will start to volunteer information. Find out who influences your child. Even ask tough questions such as, "How do you feel about our family?" The point is not to judge your child's responses, but to know what he/she is thinking or how he/she is feeling. Ask your child if he/she has any resolutions for this year. What was his/her biggest challenge or setback last year? Ask questions without interrogating. Don't bombard them with questions or you may face resistance. Resolve today to spend a few minutes each day getting to know your child better. This is one of most valuable gifts you can give to your child.

Recommended Further Reading:

Get Close to Your Teen Ebook

How to Have Fun With Your Child Anywhere

Teen and Child Personality Test for Parents

How Well Do You Know Your Child Survey