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 Many things you do-or could do-everyday make a big difference for kids.  How?  By
building "developmental assets"-40 essential building blocks that children and teenagers
need as a foundation for growing up. Research shows that these assets can have a positive impact on young people's lives.  Here's how you can do it.

1.  SUPPORT them with your love,
       care, and attention.

Caring, supportive relationships are
vital to children and teenagers.  You
help young people feel supported 
when you:

  *  Freely give them you love, affirmation, 
     and acceptance.
  *  Surround them with people who care;
  *  Help them know that they belong
 2.  EMPOWER them with opportunities to make a difference in their family and community.  

Kids need to discover the joy of making a difference. You empower them when you:

  *  Help them feel valued and valuable;
  *  Give them opportunities to serve others;
  *  Keep them safe. 
3.  Establish clear BOUNDARIES & 
        have high EXPECTATIONS.

Young people need your guidance to stay safe and healthy.  You offer healthy boundaries and expectations when you:

  * Set and enforce clear, respectful rules and 
     limits;
  *  Behave in healthy and responsible ways; and
  *  Expect and help kids to do and be their best

 

 4.  Help them find activities that make 
       CONSTRUCTIVE USE of their 
       TIME.

All kids need access to quality programs and activities that enrich their lives, develop their talents and interests, and help them develop healthy relationships. These can include:

  *  Music
  *  Drama
  *  Sports and hobbies; and
  *  Involvement in a church, synagogue, temple, 
     or other religious community
It's also important that they spend time at home.
5  Nurture in them a COMMITMENT 
       TO LEARNING.

Kids need to develop a lifelong commitment to learning.  You help young people develop this commitment when you:

  *  Encourage them in their education;
  *  Challenge them to explore and learn new 
      things;
  *  Read and learn with them.

 6. Instill POSITIVE VALUES to guide 
       them.

Positive values give children and youth the "internal compasses" they need to guide them.  You help to shape their values when you:

  *  Model positive values;
  *  Give kids opportunities to think and talk about 
      their values;
  *  Support and guide them as they put their 
      values into practice.
7. Help them develop life skills and 
       SOCIAL COMPETENCIES.

Social competencies are the life skills young people need to be independent, capable, and competent.  You help young people develop social competencies when you:

  *  Expose them to new people and things;
  *  Model and teach the skills they need;
  *  Challenge them to use their skills.

 8. Nurture, celebrate, and affirm their 
       POSITIVE IDENTITY.

A positive identity forms the foundation that helps young people feel secure in who they are.  You nurture a positive identity when you:

  *  Love and support them unconditionally;
  *  Live a life filled with purpose, meaning, and 
     optimism;
  *  Help them find meaning and purpose for their 
     own lives.

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