Child Behavior Problem ? How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors ?
Did you know that there is an African proverb which says: 'It takes a whole village to raise a child'? If you have problem children, or even if you haven't, here are some reasons why it is safer for your children, and easier for you as a parent, if you know your neighbors.
First of all, the British Environmental Risk Study showed that when neighbors know each other and support each other in parenting, then there is less chance that there will be child behavior problems or anti-social behavior in that neighbourhood among the children.
This research is backed up by the Family and Neighborhood Life at Clemson University which shows that cases of child abuse and violence towards children are again less likely when they grow up in a caring and supportive neighbourhood.
So, what can you do to build a supportive and caring neighbourhood so that your kids are safer and will never be labelled as problem children?
Just by giving help and support in caring and asking about your neighbor's children is a great way to start. Try and encourage other neighbors to keep an eye on the children, with you setting the example. That could be looking out for trouble, strangers or suspicious people around.
Another great way is to get to know a child or children so that you know where they live, their names and even their birthday so that you can send them a card. If there are poor people in your neighborhood, it is a good idea to give your cast offs of old clothing to them rather than to an anonymous charity.By staying connected and having a good networking system among the parents you know is a good way of keeping an eye on everything and on the children.
I know some parents who have got together and bought a child behavior program to share and learn together when they were confronted with parenting problem children. That was a great way of building a community and also a much cheaper way than having individual counselling. Child behavior therapy programs can be a lifesaver and can also contribute to making your neighborhood a safer and happier place for your children and your fellow parents.
