SUGGESTIONS FOR BUILDING ASSETS

Asset # 26- Caring

(Young people feel that it is important to help others and make the world a better place)

To Build Asset # 26 Parents and Extended Family Can . . . 

* At the end of each day, help your children recall ways in which they helped others and ways in which they were helped. Make this a daily ritual for closing the day.

* Show compassion and caring to all family members. Notice the caring ways of others, and point it out to your children. Also point out the non-caring things people do, and let them see the effect of both.

* When your children do something that demonstrates caring, talk about the event so they can feel satisfaction from the experience. Don't assume this will happen automatically.

* Give your child ways to help others, like helping an elderly person or disabled person. Take on family projects that help others.

* Have your child share their books and toys with other children in the community. Teach them that it is good to share.

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43% of youth surveyed by Search Institute have this asset in their lives.*

*Based on Search Institute surveys of almost 100,000 6th to 12th grade youth throughout the United States

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Words of Encouragement

Any community member can let youth around you help whenever they can. Thank them and tell them they were a great help to you. Don't just do organized efforts of helping, let youth see you doing "random acts of kindness." Get involved in community efforts to give young people opportunities to serve others. Most of us help others and promote a caring environment without knowing it. Continue to model caring behavior and show others you care by truly caring about them.

A smile is a quick and easy way to show someone you care.