Teenagers and Kids Today - In Danger!

If you have watched your favorite news program everyday, you may have seen teenagers or kids being caught by policemen or being rushed to the hospital.. Seeing their innocent faces, no one will suspect that those teenagers can sniff rugby, smoke, snatch jewels, rob, deal drugs, sold their own bodies in exchange for just a meager amount of money, or even kill people with guns or knives.. Aren't these scenes devastating? And then you see those parents being interviewed so helpless when their children are caught and sentenced. Their hearts are aching seeing their beloved son or daughter ending up in prison or worst, in the morgue! Isn't it too painful for a mother? for a father?

Why do these things happen? Based on researches, these tragedies may have linked to their childhood days, especially during their formative years. They may have witnessed some form of violent assault. Research also shows a link between violent television programs and aggressive behavior in teens who watch those programs. So if you're a mother or a father reading this article, you might want to remember these tips I have gathered from psychological experts on how to prevent these things to happen in your child..


1. Start talking about ways to reduce or eliminate violence.

* Team up with other parents and get involved in your community; join your neighbors in activities to reduce violence.

* Talk to your teen about ways to solve arguments and fights without weapons or violence.

* Advise your teen to talk to you or a trusted adult to avoid potentially violent situations.

* If you suspect a problem with your teen, start talking about it.
2. Monitor the media.

* Limit the amount of television your teen watches to 1 to 2 hours a day (including music videos and video games).

* Do not allow your teen to watch violent movies or TV programs.

* If something violent comes on the TV, talk about what is wrong with the program and how the situation could have been handled in a nonviolent way.
3. Be a role model by handling problems in nonviolent ways.
* Don't hit your teen. Model non-physical solutions to problem solving.

* Count to 10. Cool off. If you can't control your anger, tell your teen you need some time to get your thoughts and feelings under control.

* Problem solve with your teen. Think together about options and consequences for behaviors.

* Set limits, make sure your teen knows the rules and consequences, and follow through.

* Don't carry a gun. This sends a message to your teen that using guns solves problems.
4. Reduce the threat of gun-related violence to your teen.
* Make certain your teen does not have access to guns. If you have a gun, remove it from your home or store it unloaded and locked up. Lock and store bullets separately.

* Tell your teen to stay away from potentially dangerous situations and from guns in homes of friends or places where he or she may visit or play.

* Keep in mind that teens don't always follow the rules. Also, teens are attracted to guns and see guns as symbols of power. Since you can't always count on teens to stay away from guns, you have to keep guns away from them.
5. Help your teen deal with anger.

* Anger is a normal feeling. Anger does not have to be bad if it is expressed appropriately. Teach your teen that it is okay to be angry, but it's not okay to throw a punch.

* People must control their anger before they can control a situation.

* Sometimes counseling is necessary to help teens deal with their anger appropriately.

I hope these tips can help you in helping your children..Save them today..Save your family..


Source: Palo Alto Medical Foundation