I have a problem with parents who are afraid to go into their children’s bedrooms or sleeping quarters.

The shooter of the five police officers in Dallas lived at home. The shooter at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., lived at home.

If their mothers had gone into their bedrooms on a regular basis, they would have found all of that stuff that the police later found and took out of the home.

If parents start looking and searching, they may run across drugs, guns, bomb-making materials, hit lists and pictures. They may prevent the danger and killing that is on their family member’s mind.

I challenge all parents, regardless of race, to go into your child’s room or any person’s room who is living in your home. You may be able to prevent danger. Then you won’t have to look stupid or shocked when the police come into your home and start taking stuff out on live TV, and you’re saying things like, “I didn’t know!”

The killing can stop if you just look within your home and don’t be afraid to talk about it.

SHARON DEASE

Richmond