You Can Make a Difference for Kids

The 40 assets all kids need to succeed!

The last few weeks we’ve talked about the 8 different categories Support, Empowerment, Boundaries and Expectations, Constructive Use of Time, Commitment to Learning Positive Values, Social Competencies, Positive Identity, regarding the 40 Development Assets and ways you can support your child.

Thinking back over the past few weeks. Which of these things did you do?

1. Drove carefully to keep kids safe, whether they were riding with you or playing near the street.
2. Called a niece, nephew, grandchild, or other child to say “hi” and to see how he or she was doing.
3. Read a book to a child.
4. Gave back the extra money when a cashier gave you the wrong change, then talked to a young person about why you did it.
5. Got down on the floor to play with a baby or a toddler.
6. Reminded a child or teenager that it’s important to respect others.
7. Encouraged a young person to do his or her best.
8. Stopped to talk with young people in your neighborhood or workplace.
9. Helped a child or teenager with homework assignment or school project.
10. Included a child or teenager in a decision in your family, neighborhood, or organization.
11. Asked a young person to stop doing something that was inappropriate.
12. Said “good job” to a young person after they really working hard on something.
13. Volunteered to work with children or teenagers in a school, youth organization, community agency, or congregation.
14. Cheered at a child’s or teenager’s sports game, concert, play, or other performance.
15. Talked with a child or teenager about what he or she wants to do in life.
16. Helped a young person work through a conflict.
17. Prayed for a child or teenager that you know.

You may have answered yes to several of these statements. Many of them are everyday routine things that people do. Them seem like “no big deal.” But while they may not seem that important or life-changing, these kind of actions can add up to make a big difference in young people’s lives.

Next weeks article will talk about how these kinds of everyday actions can make a big difference.

For more information about asset building and Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth, contact Lori Johnson, Tama County Empowerment Coordinator, Tama County Public Health and Home Care, at (641) 484-4788 or 1-866-484-4788.