Parents, obviously, play a large role in reducing violence by providing safe and loving homes for their children.

A strong, loving relationship with a parent or adult helps a child to grow up feeling secure and with a sense of trust. Parental involvement in a child’s life, providing consistent love and attention helps to prevent behavior problems. This is not always as easy as it sounds, and if you are experiencing difficulties, there are many community resources to help.

Supervision of children while they are growing and trying to exert their independence is important. Encouraging participation in supervised activities helps them learn to get along with others and to deal with their frustrations when things do not go their way.

Children learn by example. It is important that you teach your children what values, behaviors and attitudes are important to you. Teaching your children how to solve problems nonviolently will help to reinforce these good behaviors. Discuss the consequences of behaviors and actions. Praise your children when they act appropriately and handle problems without violence. Sharing your interests with your children, reading to them and participating in their activities will show them how to enjoy life.

Discipline, which comes from the Greek for teaching, should not be violent. If your child learns that it is okay to hit to solve problems, it will become a part of his life. Harsh punishment rarely is beneficial. Using "time-out", "grounding", and withdrawing privileges goes a lot further in helping to reinforce appropriate behaviors. You should also allow your children to learn from their mistakes. Talk to them about their behaviors and how to improve them. It is also crucial to let them know that it is the behavior not them that you are upset with. Be consistent with your rules and discipline.

Try to avoid exposing your children to violence. Although violence is commonplace in our society, limiting exposure to violence in the media, in the community, and at home goes a long way to reducing aggressive behavior. Make sure your children do not have access to guns. Even if you do not have guns in your home, teach your children how deadly they can be.

Stress the importance of avoiding violence. As the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention…"

Help your children stand up against violence. It takes more courage to resist violence than to go along with it. Teach your child to be tolerant of others who may be different.