Monitoring your child’s behavior doesn’t have to be complicated and when you are monitoring them, you are keeping them safe. It’s all about paying attention to what’s going on, and communicating regularly. According to drugfree.org, here is a list of ways you can easily keep an eye on what your child is up to.

• Find subtle ways to “drop in” while his or her friends are at your house.
• Ask questions before they leave. Where are they going? Who will be there? What will they be doing?
• Check in while they’re out. Call to say hello and include a reminder of your expectations for each other.
• Ask questions (without interrogating) to gauge their sobriety and truthfulness when they get home. Make eye contact, notice any smells in their hair or on clothing.
• Reach out to other parents in an effort to jointly keep an eye on each other’s kids.

Don’t overthink it. Monitor your kids to make sure they stay alcohol-free.
_{Credit: Addressing Substance Use: Set Limits & Monitor Behavior. September 2020. drugfree.org/article/set-limits-monitor/.}