There are less chances that a child will engage in less desirable behavior if they are engaged. When left to their own devices they tend to get in more trouble. Sometimes part of the trouble that they create is all about attention seeking behavior.

Help your child by making sure that;

* They are comfortable because their physical and emotional needs are being met.
* You expect things that are age appropriate
* They have a sensible and consistent routine.
* You set a good example and are a positive role model.
* They are not in harms way and can trust the adults in their lives.
* You praise them when they do good things and make a valid contribution
* You reward them when appropriate with things that motivate them and are not necessarily connected to   monetary things.
* You have clear and consistent rules
* You motivate and set goals for them
* You teach them about social values and the behavior that illustrates them

There is no perfect recipe. There are those children that go astray no matter what you do. In most cases if you provide the above your children they will turn out great and you will have happy times as a family. After all, this is what we all aspire to. We want the very best for our children. The world is a changing place and there was a time where children could go off to wander with friends by themselves and parents did not have to worry. Parents are much more guarded these days out of necessity this does not mean that ever activity that we supervise has to cost a lot of money.