The concept of 'Gang of Mom and Dad', is not meant to romanticise gangsterism in any way, other than to draw the seemingly counter intuitive parallels and the irony, of street hoodlums giving our young children structure and rules whilst demanding and receiving obedience, respect and loyalty.

It is these same tools, when used in moderation and intelligently, that create a safe and secure environment for young children. Rules boundaries and social constructs are often disregarded by parents for various reasons, such as avoidance of confrontation, tantrums, pity for crocodile tears and the trap laden idea that it is easier to give in.

Of course these are the self same guidelines that many children rebel against. So how come the streets and peer groups win where it seems we, as parents, Gang of Mom and Dad cannot?

The wholly simple answer is that gang leaders expect respect and obedience, and if they do not get it, there are consequences. In its mildest form, the consequences maybe that the child gets dropped by the group and then becomes a target for bullying, or in a harsher form kids may even be forced to prove loyalty by stealing, vandalising or involving themselves in street fights and attacks on ordinary citizens. In its most viscious form it may even be death. There is no empathy or pity spared for those who do not fall in line and obey random gang rules and regulations.

My focus for Gang of Mom and Dad however is not on the top hierarchy of this culture, "Gang Banga's," but rather on the middle and lower tiers, young gang banga wannabe's) and peer groups. Getting kids out of gangs is much easier at this early stage than waiting until they are truly in over their heads and begin the progression toward the more dangerous activities and violent elements of the street.

We should, I hope by now grasp the irony behind all of this, which is that most of these children do not have parent protection via solid family rules, boundaries and foundations at home. When rules and boundaries are not enforced, expectation from parents drop accordingly. Furthermore there are no consequences when they do over-step the loosest of boundaries of the most patient of parents. Conversely the more patient/soft, non-accountable type "Gang of Mom and Dad" parents, tend to have the most troublesome children, compared to parents who do expect their children to follow rules and boundaries. Gang of Mom and Dad will find life so much easier for themselves as well as their kids when sensible rules and boundaires are in place.

The fact is, right from an early age, children actually thrive on organised family life. Rules and boundaries when used consistently and intelligently, with love at its core, do make our children feel safe and secure. From word go our children look at us for guidance, note how the child looks at the parents when taking its' first steps, when he/she sees the parents smiling with approval the more bold the child becomes. In those young eyes we are already Gang of mom dad. Children who get no approval or disapproval flounder. If you still doubt this then listen to the children themselves. When asked why it is that they join gangs many reply that they 'feel safe' and that the other members are their 'real family', a family that looks out for its own.

Could there be anything further from the truth? The very idea that some of our children feel safer within a vicious group, than in our loving homes tells us that we, Gang of Mom and Dad, have failed them in the most fundamental way possible.

So what will it take to save our children from these very successful street-wise recruiters? Well quite simply, we take a leaf out of their book and we recruit our children into 'The Gang of Mom and Dad' and we extend it to include Gran and Granddad, and on into ever widening circles that include aunts, uncles, neighbours, friends and teachers. The recruitment package should include rules, boundaries, lots of care, protection and love. The truth is this, raising children is possibly the singular most overwheming, exhilarating, heart stoppingly scary, thigh slappingly funny, occasionaly devastating and rewarding journey we will ever embark upon. It is also a never-ending journey that requires and involves more planning, cooperation between families, government and soical assistance than any other we dare to undertake. This is the King and Queen of roller coaster rides, so hang on tight!

Gang of Mom and Dad, must never provide the opportunity, nor reasons for our children to get involved with truants, trouble-makers or any other street-wise and so called feral groups. We need to be an efficient Gang of Mom dad. If we don't buy into our childrens future, we can't expect them to buy into it either.

By keeping our children entertained, busy, safe within boundaries and rules, communicating with us freely and being loved, we should be able to block opportunities for street gangs to fulfill any requirements our gang of kids may have.

As a mother, grandmother and eternal scholar I aim to showcase as many problems as I can to help every Gang of Mom and Dad keep a loving hold on all of their children, until they are capable and old enough to understand the complexities of living in the wider world, with it's many choices of roads, streets and avenues.