SUGGESTIONS FOR BUILDING ASSETS

Asset # 3 – Other Adult Relationships

(Young people have at least three other adults in their lives giving them support in addition to their parent(s).)

To Build Asset #3 Parents and  Extended Family Can . . .

* Involve your kids in youth programs that include lots of time for talking about what's going on in their lives -the highs and the lows. Get to know the youth program leaders. Support them as needed.

* Use letters, telephone and e-mail to keep relationships strong with special friends who are far away.

* Give your kids time with other adults on their own. Make sure that it is someone you trust and your child genuinely likes.

* Do things with other families so that your children can be with  other parents and adults. Include other families and adults in your activities.

* Get to know your friend's children. Build a good relationship with them.

* Support activities that involve youth-adult partnerships.

* Sponsor career days so young people can spend time with adults in professions that interest them.

* Plan inter- generational programs and events so that children and  adults can get to know each other.

Simple Ways to Help Kids

Three things that adults and extended family can do:

1. Greet all children, by name if you can.

2. Encourage your children to engage in outdoor activities with you, maybe hunting or camping.

3. Be consistent with them.

Youth will care how much their teachers know, only after they know how much their teachers care.

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41% 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