Dealing with the change in attitudes
Senioritis can really cause an attitude change in seniors! The excitement of going back to school as the “almighty seniors” has been known to transform good-natured teenagers into wild beasts. The amount of vandalism, pranks, hazing and rude behavior is grabbing headlines across America.

One of the main points of senior year is to allow seniors to begin experiencing new freedom in anticipation of going out on their own. However, this does not mean that seniors should be given free reign. Freedom and responsibility are learned behaviors – ones that are best learned step by step.

Families should have an open discussion about giving your senior more freedom and responsibilities this year. Parents: if your senior gets off to a bad start and takes the senioritis epidemic too far, make sure they understand that this will affect your trust of them.

Seniors: The impact of your actions
In many communities, acts of vandalism rise considerably around the beginning and end of school years as well as Halloween. These are the times when senior pranks are most prevalent. Common activities include toilet papering (T.P.ing) someone’s yard, egging houses, throwing food, vandalizing mailboxes, “forking” (putting plastic forks in the lawn) or spraying shaving cream. Some stores refuse to sell young people toilet paper, eggs, or shaving cream during these periods.

Consider your actions strongly. Excitement is one thing, vandalism is another. Police are on extra alert during these volatile time periods. If the police get involved in your senioritis things could go from fun pranks to big trouble in a hurry. You can be prosecuted or at the very least, lose some privileges at school (i.e. no dances, no athletics, no activities, etc.)

Families should discuss the major risks that seniors take if they drink and drive, commit acts of vandalism or hurt others. Talk about respecting people’s property – this is a major message that seniors will want to understand now and throughout life.

Parents: When senioritis hits too close to home
If your home is vandalized, be sure to wash off any shaving cream, eggs or food immediately. These items leave a horrible stain. To avoid being the victim of pranks, form a neighborhood watch with other families on your block, alert your neighbors to take down license numbers, and leave your yard lights on all night and don’t hesitate to call the police.

Think twice a weekend get-away that leaves your senior home alone. If you do go, think of having someone stay at your house at night. Kids may crash even a small get-together. You may approve of two friends for a sleep over, but rumors spread and a huge party could breakout while you are away. Remember you are liable for any accidents that occur in your home - even if you are not home. Keeping locks on your own liquor cabinet is also a good idea. In some cases, total removal may be best.