Since you cannot always be around to monitor children, family rules will help parents monitor their children when they are out of sight. A phone call to a parent at home or at work at an agreed-upon time or when plans change will help parents know where their children are. If the parent is not available by phone, a neighbor or relative can serve as the connection. Two Teens prefer their friends to their parents. As children begin school they spend less time with parents, and their friends become more important.
Youth begin to create their own identity through what they do, where they go, and who they know.
However, if children have been given strategies early in life to deal with tough decisions, they will be able to face these tests with good results. Parents who always TELL their children what to do and control their behavior with no choice by the child are preparing their children to listen to others without ever developing an inner voice to guide them for a lifetime. Stay involved and connected. Talk and listen to your children. Know their friends, their school experience, and what their world is like.