Parental enforcement of standards likewise makes a difference. For instance, youth who are drug free are much more likely to have parents who strictly enforce rules about drugs and other behavior. Use reasoning, not force, to encourage compliance. We want to gain our children's voluntary compliance with moral standards and avoid a contest of wills. Giving reasons and explanations for expected behavior, appealing to a child's pride and desire to be grown up and explaining the consequences of behavior for themselves and others, can help parents achieve this goal.
Schools can assist parents in promoting moral behavior.
Suddenly students get very practical and yet visionary at the same time. Teachers and parents then help youth define those virtues that will work toward the good of the individual and others. Use victim-oriented discipline strategies when violations occur. Sometimes young people violate moral principles even though their parents have diligently taught them right from wrong. For example, a father was asked by a friend, a self-employed owner of a vending company, to stock some of his snack machines for him while he was away on vacation.