Letters
Letters for 06-13-2013

Keep kids busy
The Louisiana summer months are upon us and it’s beginning to get hot. It’s unfortunate, but like the temperatures, statistically, crime will also rise.
According to the FBI crime statistics, the crime rate typically increases between 6 and 16 percent, with a medium of 10 percent, during the months of June, July and August. Violent crime usually increases by 13 percent.
Although summer offenders cover different age demographics, notably, juveniles are well represented. Yet, there is actually no one answer or concrete correlation to support the reasoning behind this phenomenon. Many point to the temperature spike, coupled with lack of supervision, as a recipe for juvenile delinquency. In other words, boredom and heat causes the youth population to criminally aspire.
Since there is nothing to be done about the heat, especially in Louisiana, parents can participate in other activities with the intentions of keeping their juvenile from becoming a delinquent.
According to Decoder.com, an affiliate of Drugfree.org, here are a few suggestions to help your child have a crime-free summer:
n Compile a list of what they can and cannot do.
n Install computer controls.
n Know what is in your cabinets (keep tabs on the liquor).
They must speak with you periodically through out the day.
Take spare keys to work with you or track mileage on the car(s).
Know who your child’s friends are.
Follow up on statements that don’t ring true.

Additionally, parents can:
Create monthly, weekly and daily schedules; enroll your child in summer camps, youth programs, fitness programs, community classes, volunteer organizations or help them get a part- time job.
Or as Union Parish Sheriff Bob Buckley’s bumper sticker states: “Kids who hunt and fish don’t steal and deal.’’
And while generating activities to keep our kids busy let’s also remember not to forget to incorporate some free time. After all, kids deserve a little R&R before heading back to school this fall.