Discussions about violence can help parents help kids Kids can learn more from the recent shootings in schools than just "be wary of classmates with suspicious behavior."

"Parents should talk to their children about troublesome classmates, but also about their fears and the complex social situations that can lead to violence," said Dr. Ernest Fruge, a psychologist at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Cancer Center in Houston.

Summer vacation offers parents a chance to have thoughtful discussions with their children and get to know them better. Research has shown that the children who are least likely to engage in dangerous behavior, such as carrying guns, are those who feel loved and appreciated at home and school.

"Parents who listen to their children's thoughts, feelings, and concerns show that their kids are important to them," said Fruge, Baylor assistant professor of family and community medicine and pediatrics. "These discussions can help parents understand the way their children see the world and respond to social situations that might lead to frustration, anger, and violence."

For example, the Colorado students who went on a shooting spree apparently had been ridiculed for being different. Fruge recommends that parents ask their children if any students have been making threats, but also how people treat one another at school. Ask whether any students are often made fun of, and how other students and teachers respond.

Such deep discussions can serve as a springboard for kids to think through social situations, reflect on their values, and figure out other ways to respond, with parental guidance. Fruge suggests questions such as:

• Why do people make fun of others? Is it fair?
• How would you feel if you were the one being ridiculed?
• How do you think the ridiculed person's life might change if no one made fun of him or her?

"Through ongoing frank conversations, parents can help their kids develop moral reasoning in line with the family's values. For example, they can lead kids to realize that ridiculing others is like picking a fight with someone smaller," Fruge said. "To encourage independent thinking, a parent might ask, 'How far would you go to be part of a group? Would you beat someone up to join?'"

With thought-provoking questions, parents can guide their kids to think and act more maturely. In the process, parents are likely to get to know their children better and feel more secure about their kids' ability to make good decisions and reduce their safety risks, Fruge said.

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