Experts say that children who are more closely supervised and have firmer boundaries are more successful at keeping their lives and friendships on the right track. Holding your kids accountable and knowing who their friends are — and their friends’ families –– can help keep them from making decisions that you and your child might have a hard time living with.

Try to meet your child’s friends before inviting them over and gently guide your child into making good choices about the people he hangs out with. If that’s not possible, make it a point to discuss this with him after his friends have left. A kind reminder that faithful friends make wise choices can encourage your child to make right decisions on his own.

You can have a positive influence on your child’s social circle by making your house one of the best places to be in the neighborhood. Here are some ideas for transforming your home into a favorite hangout.

• Organized fun. Plan some special events, such as a backyard blast, throughout the year to attract the interest of your kids and their friends.

• Super snacks. Nearly all kids appreciate great after-school munchies, such as peanut butter popcorn. If you’re not the cookie-baking type, you can still stock kid-friendly food in your pantry to keep your children and others coming back for more.

• Great games. Activities don’t always have to be planned, but there should be plenty to do to keep the kids out of trouble. Emphasize games of imagination or craft activities, rather than computer and video entertainment. When hands and minds are busy, children are less likely to get into mischief.