Let's see, if you tally up all the extra-curricular events that have been going on in and at schools around here lately, it adds up to a lot of mayhem. And you should be concerned, rightfully so. But how do you show that without teaching fear?

There have been shootings, stabbings, teachers accused of inappropriate sexual conduct, teachers assaulting students, students ambushing teachers and yesterday's giant fight at South Broward High School.

Schools everywhere are potential venues of turmoil at one time or another over one thing or another. Even death and murder. No one intentionally puts their child in harm's way because of the school they are attending.

Last night, one of my son's friends called so they could chat about the incident. At the end of the conversation, they both said they are looking forward to going to S. Broward next year anyway. Sometimes things happen that are out of an individual's control.

But what if your kid expresses they are nervous about going to school because of these incidents?

Do you discuss this stuff with them? What about those classic rumors like, there is going to be a big fight at the bus stop, or so and so is going to beat up someone at lunch time? How do you encourage your child to be alert but not afraid; to be safe and have a plan, but not overly worried?