Of course, your child can't spend every night at your house. If you know they are going to a friend's house, Monroe suggests calling the parents "to ensure there will be supervision."
But don't turn into a helicopter parent. "Kids want to know they are trusted by their parents," Monroe says. While it's important to keep an eye on your child, it's equally important to have faith that they will do the right thing.
Assuming you're over 21, you have every right to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner. But Monroe says pouring a drink because you had a "rough day" or saying you "need" alcohol can send the wrong message to your child. He also advises parents to be cautious when sharing any stories that involve drugs and alcohol.
"Don't be tempted to share your old college stories or share anything to glamorize drinking [and drugs]," he says. "Between movies and TV shows, the media already makes drinking a 'cool' activity, and a parent should vocalize the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs."
