Gangs and your child
As school starts back up, kids are under stress - grades, classes, friends, and gangs. And with gangs being possibly present in some area schools, Shelby police are asking you to be aware of signs when it comes to your kids.
Some signs are: be aware if your child's attitude changed, he or she is not going to school, grades worsen, has new clothes which you did not buy, wearing only certain colors, wing gang symbols on books, paper, or clothing, has unexplained sums of money, carrying weapons, or hanging out with known or suspected gang member.
As for some parenting skills to help your child if he or she is in a gang? Talk with and listen to your child, spend quality time together one-on-one, show value of education and help out with school work, be a positive role model, praise them for doing well and encourage them to do their best, know your child's friends.
Also, you may have to change your ways of thinking and have to hit the books yourself. It’s advised to learn about gangs and signs of gang activity, and sharpen your skills as a parent.
According to Shelby Police, many gang members say they joined because the gang offered those things their family could not: support, sense of purpose, security, and praise. The odds are in your favor if you meet these needs and not the gang.
Posted on: 08/30/2010 DA
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