Always make sure you know exactly who your teen is with at any given moment. What friends are they hanging out with that day? Will there be other parents there? Do you personally know the Who of this particular day? If not, it may be time to make an introduction. Having a point of contact for every situation and planning around who your child will be with will not only keep you informed–it will also add a sense of accountability for your teen and the company they keep.

Do you know where your teen is right now? Whether they’re sitting in their room or hanging out with friends, this is one of the most critical touchpoints. It’s all about location, location, location–find out exactly where your child will be at all times. It’s also a good idea to set the expectation for continuous contact around this touchpoint. If the Where changes (i.e., leaving the movie theatre in favor of a friend’s house), you must be called and informed of the switch. 

Now that you know the Who and the Where of each situation, it’s time to establish the What. What does each situation entail? What actions are being taken? What things are involved? If it’s a day on the lake, have a clear understanding of what the expectation is for that activity–will there be boating, fishing, swimming, etc. Knowing the What of every plan can help you plan a budget, pickup times, and establish boundaries before they even get out the door.