"Raising my son in a tough neighborhood in Newark, NJ is like having two other full time jobs. I am afraid every time my son leaves the house. Although he is only 9 years old he has to grow up so fast. Coming home from school he has to watch out for dope dealer, stick up boys, gunfire from neighborhood gangs and the police. This is a typical day for my son!"

	Look for programs that offer: Staff members that have been trained in CPR and first aid Quality standards for school-aged care Accreditation Documented emergency procedures that are given to parents upon request A low student-teacher ratio that provides good engagement between students and adults :: Read more on selecting an after school program

	For boys it is important to remain active. A well-planned series of extra-curricular activities after school or in early evening provide a great balance for your son. While the school year should be focused on reaching academic benchmarks, a blend of activities is strongly recommended. :: Read More on how to keep him busy

It is critically important to become the homework police! This means being bold enough to check your son’s book bag and even emailing his teachers to check on homework. Never think your son will not lie to you or even hide his homework. Set a standard in your home about school work and let your son know you are serious about his academic career! :: Read More about being your child's Homework Police

	Limit your son’s time online, and put computers in a common area of the house so you can more easily monitor use. Be clear and consistent about what is off limits — including Web sites, chat rooms, games, blogs, or certain music downloads — and how to handle information promoting drugs and/or sex. Discuss consequences for breaking the rules. :: Read More about your technology strategies

	Here are a few tips to help parents better govern the use of their son’s cell phone. Cell phones have become the principal method of communication for teens and parents must be bold enough to manage their usage. :: Read More

	Before beginning this activity it is important for mothers to think through two basic questions: Are you still angry with your son's father because the relationship ended? Are you open to reconnect you son and his father in spite of the broken promises, lies and other issues that have impacted the relationship? :: More about the homework assignment

	The following are a few basic tips to help parents redirect angry male children. In addition to the tips below we strongly encourage parents to seek mental health interventions: :: View tips for parenting an angry child

	Grandparents who are raising a male child can follow these simple tips and guidelines to help you bridge the generational gap between you and your grandson, enforcing a balanced, healthy lifestyle. :: View strategies for grandparents

	Raising Him Alone Campaign is overwhelmed with requests from parents across the US, Canada and Caribbean to provide information on supporting families who have a son who has been arrested. :: Learn what you should know

	When discussing the topic of sex with your son, it is essential to begin with letting him know that you want to be able to have an open and honest conversation. The discussion should be developmental in nature, based on your son's age and level of maturity. :: More on how to talk to your son about sex

	Special Education has become a million dollar business. Although many black boys can benefit from the additional services offered within the public school system, it is essential that parents are aware of the limitations. :: More on the dilemma with Special Education

:: The Family Unit
:: Household
:: Punishment & Discipline
:: Teach Your Son How to Act (Time & Place)
:: Education
:: Health
:: Let's Talk About Sex
:: The Real Deal on Drugs & Alcohol

The Family Unit

Maintain an open and on-going relationship with your son's father (if possible, all attempts need to be made to cultivate this relationship) Surround your son with extended family and friends Create family meeting times with your son to discuss your lives

Household

Set fair expectations and limits with your son - make sure expectations and limits are clear and appropriate for your child's age and ability As your son gets older, give him more choices, freedom and responsibility Pick your battles wisely. Things like your son's safety and respect must always be a priority Don't expect your son to like all of your decisions. As a parent it is your job to make final decisions

Punishment & Discipline

Talk to your son about consequences and being accountable for his actions Make the "punishment fit the crime." Avoid being too harsh even when you are angry Be consistent and realize that growing up as an African American male is tough. Oftentimes we are too punitive with our sons.

Teach Your Son How to Act (Time & Place)

Teach your son by your example what to do, not just tell him what he should do Help your son learn the power of solving conflicts- Our sons can not physically fight their way out of every situation Distract your son from unsafe activities- prior to age 12, an alarming number of boys get involved in carrying weapons to school, experimenting with sex and drugs

Education

With the alarming challenges that confront African American males in public education, it is critical that parents take a more active role in their child's education. Often the burden of being a single parent overshadows going to PTA meetings and even checking homework. When parents are involved in their children's education at home, they do better in school. And when parents are involved in school, children go farther in school. And the schools they go to are better. Develop a relationship with your son's teacher. Get your son's teacher's email address & cell phone number Create a system to make sure that homework and projects are completed- Check homework every night Eliminate TV viewing on school nights

Health

It is critical to introduce boys to the importance of preventative health care. As boys get older and travel from adolescence to manhood health care will be increasingly important. Select a pediatrician (the pediatrician may change as your son gets older) Good nutrition is vital to the proper growth and development of children Annual school physicals are a great time to talk with your pediatrician about any health, development, or growth concerns you may have Make semi-annual dental appointments a priority Consult a mental health professional- the trauma of having and absent father can result in anxiety and other mental health issues

Let's Talk About Sex

With the over-saturation of sex in the media, teaching your son about sex demands an on-going flow of information that should begin as early as possible. With the growing number of teenage males becoming fathers, talking about sex is a conversation that we must have with our sons. Be bold enough to start the conversation- begin with discussing healthy & unhealthy touch Teach your son at an early age how to identify the difference between male and female body parts It is important for you to be the first person that talks to your son about sex- Do not leave this up to his peers, MTV, BET or VH1 Explain your family values regarding sex with your son Remember the conversation should be developmental- the older your son gets, the greater the need for more information

The Real Deal on Drugs & Alcohol

Like talking about sex with your son, discussing drugs and alcohol is important. Many males experience drugs and alcohol at a young age. For many boys, marijuana is introduced by peers at school as early as elementary school. Create a drug free and alcohol free home- children do what they see more than what they're told Explain and model your family values regarding drugs and alcohol to your son Discuss the role of peer pressure- many young males get introduced to drugs and alcohol by "so called friends" Teach your son that marijuana is a drug and most people who get addicted to drugs start with marijuana