Several steps we can take

While we wait for the government to bring solutions to the violence taking place in our children's schools, there are a few steps that we can take on our own to help mitigate the problem:

• Lock up the guns. Keep all of your fire arms under lock and key at all times. Do not make the key available to anyone other than the owner, and keep it well hidden.

• As best as you can, make sure your child is in a positive environment.

• Be actively involved in your child's day each and every day.

• Have a dialogue with your child's teachers. What is their perception of your child? Listen to what the teacher has to say.

• Communicate your expectations to your child. Be honest. If your child doesn't have the abilities to be first in their class, let them know you are proud of their accomplishments because you recognize they are giving it their best effort. If they aren't giving it their best effort, try and determine why, and plot a positive approach to overcome it.

• Ask your child if they have any fear or concerns about one of their peers, and why. Share that information with a responsible party if it seems valid.

• Keep your child involved. Some down time is good. Too much leads to trouble.

A happy engaged child will not bring a gun into a classroom.

William Fanning

Vernon Hills