SUGGESTIONS FOR BUILDING ASSETS

Asset # 28- Integrity

(Young people do what they believe is right)

To Build Asset # 28 Parents and Extended Family Can . . .

* Model integrity. When you are doing something because it is the right thing to do, take the time to explain it to your child. They can't always see the obvious.

* Help kids to talk about times when their beliefs are questioned. Praise them for taking a stand.

* Help young people to define what they will use to guide their life's choices. What principles will they rely on?

* Give your children the chance to discover their own ideas sometimes, rather than always tell them what they should believe. Use "teachable moments" with things that happen throughout the day. Ask young people, "What does this say about—?" or "Do you agree?" or "How would this make you feel?"

* Learn to talk to your children about difficult issues like domestic violence, oppression, and prejudice. Help them understand how these relate to their integrity.

***************************************************************************************************

 63% 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