• Spend time with your child.

• Do not allow your child to wear gang-related clothing or to modify their clothing with gang markings.

• Meet your child's friends and pay attention to their activities and interests.

• Become acquainted with the parents of your child's friends.

• Take the time to read the lyrics of the music that your child listens to and discuss the ideas presented in them.

• Monitor your child's television watching. Select programs to watch together.

• Provide your child with information about healthy ways to deal with conflict and racism.

• Get involved in your child's education. Spend time at your child's school and meet with teachers.

• Take advantage of the activities in your area that are available for children. Local recreation centers, libraries, bookstores, and churches often have free activities for children.

• Take a parenting class. Many schools offer free classes that are not only fun, but also provide valuable tips.

• Attend a gang awareness class and watch the video "Not My Kid: Gang Prevention for Parents"

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