Description

You can't be around your child every moment of the day to monitor his behavior, but it's important to know how your child behaves when he's not with you.
• Find parents/friends who share your values and parenting style.
• Ask them to let you know if they observe your child engaging in behavior you would not approve of.
• When a parent tells you about your child's behavior, listen to what they say and thank them for the information.
• Meet with your child and tell them what you heard and ask them for their side of the story.
• Calmly discuss the situation and impose consequences if necessary.
• Reemphasize the type of behavior you would desire and your family's rules.

Since you did not witness the occurrence, you may not need to impose consequences and a calm discussion will be effective.

Never reveal the names of your "sources". This way your child will know that there are always people who are watching his behavior on your behalf. If started early enough, this is a very effective when your children are older and have more independence.