Monitor your child’s behaviors:
Research consistently shows that knowing where your children are, what they are doing and who they are with can reduce the chance that they will use substances.
Work with your child to set a daily routine; with school being out for the summer this is even more important.
- Having a structured calendar will strengthen their time management skills, help them avoid boredom and isolation and give you an understanding of what they are doing each day.
- Ensure you have plenty of quality time together. This provides an opportunity to ask questions, listen to what your children have to say and strengthen your connection.
Keep an eye on your child’s (and your own) screen time and social media use. Too much screen and social media time is connected to poor mental and physical health, weaker family bonds, and fewer ties to school and community.
It’s not unusual for your child to resist these expectations at times. Monitoring, done from a place of love and care, can help you recognize and address potential threats to their safety and well-being.
