Whether you realize it or not, all children can be at risk to join gangs. As a parent, you have a lot more power than you think to prevent your children from joining gangs.
Good Social Skills
Children and teens who have good skills to deal with other people are less likely to join gangs or to be involved in negative behavior. To build self-confidence and respect for others in their children, parents need to teach:
- Honest communication. Children need to learn to express feelings such as anger, joy, love and fear. They must believe it is okay for them to express these feelings without being teased or punished.
- Cooperation. Children must learn to cooperate, negotiate, and put themselves
in another person's shoes. Praise your children for cooperating, especially
when they are able to work out a compromise.
- Personal responsibility. Teach your children to be responsible for their actions. Let them know that even if they do not get something right at first, what counts is that they are trying hard and learning from the experience.
- Ability to make decisions. Instead of solving problems for your children, give them the chance to think of possible solutions.
- Ability to give and receive unconditional love. Love your children for who they are, regardless of how well they do in school, sports, or other activities. Even if you are angry with them, let them know you still love and respect them.
