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Monitoring your child is a key step in helping them make safe and healthy decisions. Staying involved in their lives, setting clear boundaries, and maintaining open communication can significantly reduce the likelihood of risky behaviors, including substance use.
What is Monitoring?
Monitoring means knowing where your child is, who they are with, and what they are doing. It’s about building trust while guiding them toward making responsible choices.
How Can I Monitor My Child?
1. Set Clear Expectations
- Talk about rules. Clearly explain your expectations about alcohol, drugs, and other behaviors.
- Be consistent. Let them know the consequences of breaking rules and ensure the consequences are fair and consistently enforced.
- Keep it positive. Explain that these rules are in place because you love them and want them to stay safe.
2. Stay Involved
- Know their plans. Ask about where they’ll be, who they’re with, and what they’ll be doing.
- Stay connected. Use text messages or phone calls to check in when they are out.
- Encourage sharing. Create opportunities for them to share about their day—family meals are a great time for this!
3. Get to Know Their Friends and Their Families
- Build relationships. Introduce yourself to your child’s friends and their parents.
- Collaborate. Work together with other parents to create safe environments for kids, such as supervised gatherings.
4. Stay Engaged at School and Activities
- Attend events. Show interest in their hobbies, sports, or clubs.
- Check in. Be aware of their academic progress and social dynamics at school.
- Be present. Being involved shows your child you value their interests and well-being.
5. Model Healthy Behaviors
- Set an example. Avoid using substances around your child.
- Be open. Talk about your own decision-making and how you handle challenges.
- Practice empathy. Show them how to solve problems in positive ways.
Why Monitoring Matters
When your child knows you are paying attention, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Monitoring helps them feel supported, valued, and understood. It also builds their confidence to make safe and healthy choices.
Remember: Look. Listen. Love.
- Look for opportunities to connect with your child.
- Listen to their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgment.
- Love them unconditionally by staying involved and setting boundaries that help them thrive.