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Last week Stephen Kazmierczak entered Northern Illinois University and began a shooting rampage killing six, wounding 16, and killing himself. This devastating event came “without warning” to many of the the gunmen’s friends and family. It seems stories like these are becoming common place in our society. Names like Omaha Nebraska Mall, Virginia Tech and Columbine Massacre come rushing to our minds. But can such a horrific event really come completely without warning? Are there possibly some red flags that could help prevent these tragedies?

Does your child have behavioral problems? Does your child have a problem with alcohol? According to recent studies, these questions may be interdependent.

One does not have to be an economist to realize the condition of our economy is not ideal. People all over the United States are struggling to make ends meet. This bleak setting has left many parents feeling helpless when faced with all of their financial responsibilities. While you may not be able to solve the economic recession, you can teach your children smart financial habits that will help them in the future.

Peer pressure: people feel it, inflict it, and increasingly let it control their lives. According to the Department of Student Support Services peer pressure is the most powerful influence in a childs decision to join a gang.

Public school is great for many teens but for those that need special attention, public school can be harmful. Teens with behavioral problems can fall through the cracks of the public school system. Sadly, this lack of attention can lead to problems like drug use, gang involvement, sexual promiscuity, and underage drinking.

Without even realizing it, many parents are providing teenagers and their friends access to what has become the second most popular drug after marijuana: prescription drugs. It is estimated that an overwhelming one-third of all U.S. drug abuse involves prescription drugs (National Institute On Drug Addiction). Teens are getting these prescription drugs from their own homes, from friends, and through websites on the Internet.

With prescription drugs so accessible to teens and adults alike it is no wonder they are misused. For some it is the lack of education, for others it is simply easy and instant gratification that draws them to misuse prescription drugs.

If your teenager is displaying anger problems, you may want to seek therapy. A therapist can teach your teen how to handle their feelings and control their temper. This type of therapy focuses on self-reflection and helping your adolescent to develop healthy emotional expression. During sessions, you may also find that your adolescent has other underlying issues.

If you notice that your teenager is hiding a problem, it is a sign that he or she needs help. Your child may be avoiding you, but they may be ignoring it. You should talk to your adolescent about his or her problem, and make him or her understand that you will be there to support them. If your teen is angry, he or she may hurt himself or others.

While many parents think they know the signs of a substance abuse problem, it can be difficult to determine which signs indicate a substance abuse problem. Parents need to learn more about the types of substances that teens commonly use, as well as the warning signs that a teen may be abusing drugs or alcohol. Additionally, parents need to learn about the increased risk of car accidents, violence, arrests, and unsafe sex. While there is no single way to determine if your child is abusing drugs, there are some steps they can take to minimize these risks.