Keep track of your children, spend time with them and love them. Know who their friends are, and when possible, observe your children's friends for noticible signs of gang involvement. If you live in Muskegon County and would like a presentation on gangs given at your school or community group, contact your local police department or the Muskegon County Sheriff's Department. There are many kinds of gangs, but whatever kind your community is dealing with, gangs spell trouble. They cause fear, destroy property, threaten or hurt peaceable residents, and drive out businesses.
Parents can do a lot to prevent gang problems or to reduce gang problems already in place.
Sharpen your skills as a parent and use them. Join with others to make or keep your neighborhood gang free. Gangs leave signs of their presence. Sharpen Your Skills as a Parent Many gang members say they joined because the gang offered them support, caring, and a sense of order and purpose- all the things that most parents try to give their kids. The odds are that the better you meet these needs, the less need your children will see for gangs.