What Can Parents Do To Protect Children From The Influence Of Drugs And Gangs?
Parents need to realize that while there is nothing that can guarantee a child will not be lured into gangs or drug use, there are things that can be done to reduce the likelihood of that occurring. Also, if the child gets involved, chances are improved of retrieving the child. Many of the tactics that gangs use to entice youth are the same that parents should use to keep the child safe from these influences. Strong bonds are difficult to break. A strong, parent-bonded relationship with the child greatly decreases the probability of that child turning toward gangs or drugs. The following are family bonding strategies: IDENTITY – Give them a sense they are in the family, what values your family represents, and a sense of self-esteem. PROTECTION – Food, shelter, clothing and a feeling that the family is a refuge from outside negative forces. A place where there is love and when hurt happens, a place where “wounds get licked.” SENSE OF BELONGING – Acceptance is probably one of the stronge
