Mums were once 14-year-olds girls too!
Comedian Katherine Ryan, 40, has shared a recent party rule she implemented ahead of her daughter’s Halloween party.
She admitted to sending the parents of her daughter Violet’s friends a waiver to sign before they they enter her home.
However, Katherine was hesitant to allow teenagers have a party hosted by her 14-year-old daughter without setting a number of rules when it comes to guests.
Speaking on her podcast, Katherine Ryan: Telling Everybody Everything, for an episode titled ‘Permission Waiver’, the Canadian says while she is allowing the ‘Halloween party’, it’s not actually taking place on Halloween.
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“It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. Basically it’s b*llsh*t, she just wants to have a party and it’s a tenuous link to a close-by holiday.
“I don’t know how you navigate having teenagers and keeping them safe and keeping them respectful, and keeping your property from being vandalised.”
Katherine decided a designated number of party guests would be permitted, but the invitation list has since grown.
“She sent these invites out to more children than that. I also prepared a document… It is slightly OTT I just think in this day and age, with liabilities and having all these kids in my house, I want to send a really clear message to them.
“Not when they’re 16, 17 but when they’re 14, what the expectations are in my house.”
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When the mum-of-three was considering how she might set these expectations, she was reminded of Violet’s 13th birthday when they were unable to find a venue to host it due to event spaces fearing that the teenagers would thrash the place.
The waiver reads: “Permission waiver. Hello, As we enter the teenage party years, I’m starting to understand why it was so difficult to find a venue that would host Violet’s last birthday party.
“The children are very welcome in our home/garden/pool and we do want them to enjoy themselves and be able to gather in a safe environment for a party. However, my husband and I feel that it’s necessary to collect signed permission waivers from all parents of children attending any party in our home.”
Katherine has a ninth-month-old daughter and a son aged two with her long-term partner, Bobby Kootstra, with whom she had a civil partnership ceremony, and Violet was born from a past relationship.
According to the comedian, her husband will not tolerate ‘illegal behaviour’ at their property.
“At 14 and 15 years old, illegal behaviour includes; drinking alcohol, vaping, any sexual activity, assault, vandalism. Anyone found to be participating in any illegal behaviour will be asked to leave and parents called.”
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Going the extra mile, Katherine also revealed that she has also hired a private security firm to oversee the event. She also says while it may feel like ‘a lot’ she believes that it’s better to set the terms beforehand to avoid problems later.
“By signing this waiver you acknowledge responsibility for your child in our home and further acknowledge that you have spoken to them about having bag searches and guest list checks at the door.
“We have hired a private security firm to help oversee this party for peace of mind. If at any time your child feels unsafe please encourage them to find me in the house, or approach someone from the security team.”
Better safe than sorry!
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