What Parents Should Know.

 
 


Sharpen your skills as a parent

  • Learn about gangs and signs of gang activity.
  • Join with others to make or keep your neighborhood gang free

Many gang members say they have joined because the gang offered them support, caring, and a sense of order and purpose -- all the things that most parents try to give their kids. The odds are that the better you meet these needs, the less your children will see a need for gangs.

Here are some parenting skills that are especially important:

  • Talk with and listen to your child. Spend some special time with each child you have.
  • Put high value on education and help your child to do his or her best in school. Do everything possible to prevent dropping out.
  • Help your kids identify positive role models and heroes; especially people right in your community.
  • Do everything possible to involve your children in supervised, positive group activities.
  • Praise them for doing well and encourage them to do their best to stretch their skills to the utmost.
  • Know what your kids are doing and whom they are with. Get to know their friends and their friends' families.
Don't forget to talk about gangs. The best time is before there's a major problem. Tell your child that --
  • You disapprove of gangs.
  • You don't want to see your child hurt or arrested.
  • You see your child as special, and worth protecting.
  • You want to help your child with problems.
  • Family members don't keep secrets from each other, and
  • You and other parents are working against gangs.

    Related Link: www.gangwar.com/parent1.htm