Violence is a learned behavior. Children often experience violence for the first time in their lives in their homes or in the community. This first taste of violence may include their parents, family members or their friends. Studies have shown that children who witness violent acts, either as a victim or as a victimizer, are more likely to grow up to become involved in violence.During our second weekend class, we talked specifically about violence and youth. For many young people who have already developed a pattern of violent behavior, the probability that this way of life will endure into their adult lives is very likely. I believe that aggression is often learned very early in a child’s life. For the growing trend in youth violence to subside, I assert that parents and many others must make every attempt to educate themselves and to implement methods that will reduce and ultimately prevent much of this violent behavior.Parents most often play the greatest positive role in a child’s life by raising them in homes where they feel safe, secure and loved. These strong relationships that are developed early in life, give the children an ability to form warm, trusting and lasting alliances. Parents or other adult peers who present themselves as positive role models, may lay the foundation that is needed to enable the child to begin to build the cornerstones of his conscience and strong moral development. This will hopefully be the basis for a child’s ability to learn and use nonaggressive and more appropriate ways to solve problems.Children have minds of their own. As they begin to mature, their newfound independence will sometimes lead them to misbehave in various ways. A parent’s patience(or lack of) as they interact daily with their children is crucial. Hitting, slapping or spanking a child as punishment often sends the message that it is okay to hit others to solve problems. A more productive approa...
