Social conscience begins at home
A
child’s sense of morality and social conscience begins at home.
To
help make our schools and our communities safer
environments, it is important that all members share the values that add to
security and safety.
Adults
can help. Discuss with children values, such as the importance of each person’s
life; respect for other’s property; compassion for the less fortunate;
tolerance for people who are different, and obeying laws.
Emphasize
courtesy, honesty, and cooperation in everyday life. Explain to children that
money isn’t everything, and that helping others brings personal satisfaction in
many ways.
Learn
to disagree with words. If a local school offers adults an opportunity to take
part in a conflict management program, sign-up. You can learn techniques and
approaches that will work well with children and show you how to pass along
those models at home.
The
most important skill is learning how to turn feelings of anger and frustration
into positive action instead of violence.
When
necessary, say no. It can reduce a child’s risk of experimenting with drugs or
sexual activity, both of which can involve violence, by supporting school
educational programs dealing with drug and alcohol abuse and with health and
safety issues.
Intervene
when necessary. It is difficult for parents to admit seeing signs of antisocial
behavior in their own children and to seek professional guidance. But while
most children develop appropriate social skills as they mature, others may
begin showing antisocial patterns as early as the fourth grade. Some of these
trouble signs include excessive use of guilt-free intimidation and force to get
their own way, frequent and skillful lying, and routine reliance on cheating or
stealing.
Children who exhibit these behaviors
may need some professional help to redirect their energies and anxieties.
Parents are in the best position to sense when assistance is needed. Remember
that early intervention can make a profound difference.