Blog

2 Families sitting on front stoops

Construya una Red de Apoyo

Usted no está solo. Criar a la gente joven toma el esfuerzo de un grupo y de todos—padres, abuelos, tías, tíos, maestros, amigos, líderes religiosos, etc.—toman un papel importante. Hay gente, lugares y recursos a los que todos podemos acudir cuando necesitamos ayuda y apoyo con la gente joven que conocemos.

Read More »
2 Families sitting on front stoops

Build a Network of Support

You are not alone. Raising young people takes a group effort and everyone—parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, friends, clergy, coaches—play an important role. There are people, places, and resources everyone can turn to when help is needed to support young people.

Read More »
Boy playing in a field

Asset 40: Positive View of Personal Future

Research shows that young people who are optimistic about the future have better relationships with their parents, increased self-esteem, and decreased emotional or behavioral problems, such as depression, early sexual activity, and violence.

Read More »
tween boy celebrating after a hike

Asset 39: Sense of Purpose

When young people think today about what they want to accomplish in their lives, it shapes their sense of purpose. Each and every young person has something unique to offer the world.

Read More »
Smiling confident girl in classroom

Elemento Fundamental 38: Autoestima

Las investigaciones demuestran que la gente joven que se siente bien sobre sí misma tiene relaciones positivas con sus padres y compañeros, un rendimiento académico aumentado y una susceptibilidad disminuida a la influencia negativa de los compañeros.

Read More »
Smiling confident girl in classroom

Asset 38: Self-Esteem

Teach young people the values and actions that will build genuine self-esteem, including caring, giving, treating others with kindness and tolerance, and always doing your best in school and other activities.

Read More »

Asset 37: Personal Power

When young people feel empowered, they feel more confident to make their own choices—to get good grades, participate in activities they enjoy, and take action to find solutions to problems.

Read More »

Asset 35: Resistance Skills

Learning resistance is one of the most important social skills to develop. With these skills in hand young people make appropriate decisions and stand firm in what they believe.

Read More »
Multicultural children huddled with arms around each other

Asset 34: Cultural Competence

Although most people gravitate toward people who are similar to themselves, it’s important to expose young people to a variety of cultures and people. People from different cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds can learn many things from one another.

Read More »
school friends hanging out

Asset 31: Restraint

Work with young people to focus on long-term outcomes—not just on the moment. Helping them to internalize and stand up for their personal values also makes it easier for them to practice restraint and withstand negative peer pressure.

Read More »
girl cleaning mirror

Asset 30: Responsibility

Following rules is important, but is doing as you’re told enough? To become strong, upstanding, and successful adults, possessing a personal desire to be responsible is also significant.

Read More »
Son talking to father

Asset 29: Honesty

Although telling the truth is not always easy, teaching young people the value of honesty, is important. Honesty is crucial for success in all areas of life, including relationships, school, and jobs.

Read More »
Child smiling

Asset 28: Integrity

Anytime young people draw on their inner spark of courage and act based on their values, they have integrity. The best way to teach integrity to young people may be to practice and model it yourself.

Read More »
Mother and son donating clothes

Asset 27: Equality and Social Justice

Young people who are concerned about equality and reducing hunger and poverty may not know what life is like for those who suffer these conditions, but they do understand it’s important to care for people—all people.

Read More »
Child hugging grandmother

Asset 26: Caring

It’s important for young people to be involved in both direct and indirect caring. Direct help is when you spend time and interact with people who need care. Indirect help is when you collect money, food, or other items to give to people who distribute the items to those in need.

Read More »
young girl reading

Asset 25: Reading for Pleasure

Reading for fun teaches young people how to become strategic, skilled readers. They learn the difference between reading for a test and reading for pleasure. They learn when to read carefully or skim, ask questions or consult a dictionary.

Read More »
young boy smiling in class

Asset 24: Bonding to School

Research shows that young people who care about their school are less likely to be involved in violence or the use of alcohol and other drugs. They also are more likely to become good leaders, value diversity, and succeed in school.

Read More »

Elemento Fundamental 23: Tarea

Las investigaciones demuestran que la gente joven que pasa por lo menos una hora a la semana haciendo la tarea, tiene más probabilidad de crecer sana, mantenerse comprometido hacia el aprendizaje y de lograr sus metas.

Read More »
Young boy doing homework

Asset 21: Achievement Motivation

Doing well academically doesn’t have to mean getting straight A’s or being the valedictorian. It does mean doing their best work and caring about their performance, whether they’re creating an art portfolio or writing an essay.

Read More »
mother and son in church

Elemento Fundamental 19: Comunidad Religiosa

Las investigaciones demuestran que la gente joven que pasa por lo menos una hora a la semana involucrada en actividades dentro de organizaciones basadas en la fe tiene más probabilidad de: proveer servicio a los demás, disfrutar programas juveniles, seguir y proporcionar una influencia positiva de los compañeros y de ejercer la restricción cuando se trata de comportamientos de riesgo.

Read More »
mother and son in church

Asset 19: Religious Community

Young people who spend at least one hour a week involved in activities within a faith-based organization are more likely to: provide service to others, enjoy youth programs, follow and provide positive peer influence, and exercise restraint when it comes to risky behaviors.

Read More »
Kids playing soccer in youth program

Asset 18: Youth Programs

Research shows that young people who regularly spend time in sports, clubs, or other youth programs have higher self-esteem and better leadership skills, and are less likely to feel lonely.

Read More »
Mom talking to daughter before school

Asset 16: High Expectations

When caring adults show they believe in young people and help them reach their potential, youth are better able to do just that. Express your expectations to young people as a hope you hold for them.

Read More »
Child talking to mentor

Asset 14: Adult Role Models

Young people look up to adults. They see you—especially if you’re a parent—as the type of person they want to become someday. They want heroes. That’s why it’s so important to be the best person you can be.

Read More »
2 kids on a swing

Elemento Fundamental 13: Límites Vecinales

Las investigaciones demuestran que la gente joven enfocará más de su energía en actividades positivas que en las negativas si viven en un vecindario en el cual los vecinos toman la responsabilidad de vigilar el comportamiento de la gente joven.

Read More »
Mom and daughter talking about boundaries

Asset 11: Family Boundaries

Rules and expectations are important. They help establish the do’s and don’ts for society and help things run smoothly. But rules are not automatically known; they must be created and learned.

Read More »
Dad holding daughter keeping her safe

Asset 10: Safety

Young people who feel safe are more likely to feel secure enough to try new things. That’s why safety is an important part of feeling empowered.

Read More »
Boy helping dad do woodwork

Asset 8: Youth as Resources

The ways people express ideas, energy, and insights make each person unique. Helping young people find their voices is one of the best ways to help them be a positive force in their families, schools, clubs, teams, or neighborhoods.

Read More »

Asset 7: Community Values Youth

As young people grow older, they quickly sense where they are wanted and where they aren’t. Do the young people around you have opportunities to participate, serve, lead, and make decisions within the community?

Read More »
dad helping son with homework

Asset 6: Parent Involvement in Schooling

Young people need their parents to stay actively involved in their education throughout middle and high school. Research shows that young people are more likely to grow up healthy when their parents are involved in their education.

Read More »
children on a school bus

Asset 5: Caring School Climate

Research shows that young people who go to school where the environment feels caring and encouraging get better grades, have healthier relationships, get into less trouble, and are interested in and better able to reach their dreams.

Read More »
Kids playing soccer in their neighborhood

Asset 4: Caring Neighborhood

Research shows that young people are more likely to grow up healthy if they live in a community with caring neighbors. The key is to create a safe haven in which young people feel loved, supported, and understood.

Read More »
Grandparent reading with granddaughter

Asset 3: Other Adult Relationships

Research shows that young people who have three or more caring adults who support them feel happier and more hopeful, do better in school, and are less likely to rely on drinking, smoking, or drugs to feel good or fit in.

Read More »