In addition to SAT, ACT and final exams, the teens in my life are already talking about – and preparing for -- New Year’s celebrations. And I’m nervous.

Should we (fun-loving yet cautious parents) agree to allow the groups to ring in 2007 at our house? I’m more than willing to get the chips, dip, order pizzas and hang the streamers. But I approach this scene with a heavy dose of caution.

Who will show up? How can we monitor their behavior – and how late will they stay? I truly believe my teens’ friends are the “good kids” who don’t cause trouble – but how can I make sure that alcohol and drugs are not part of the plan for these high school revelers? Undoubtedly, I will get asked to allow both boys and girls to sleep over… which goes against all of my parenting instincts. Will a few risk takers spoil the reputation of most of the rule-followers?

My “babysitter will put them to bed on New Years before midnight even strikes” days are over. Has anyone out there been down this path… with any suggestions??