SUGGESTIONS FOR BUILDING ASSETS

Asset # 31- Restraint

(Young people believe it is important for teenagers to abstain from sex and from using alcohol or other drugs)

To Build Asset # 31 Parents and Extended Family Can . . .

* Be "ask able" about sexuality, and alcohol/drug issues. Learn what you need to and get support from other adults to be able to talk openly with kids. Don't make these subjects "off limits" by being silent or uncomfortable.

* Be clear about your values and the reasons behind them. Talk about behaviors and values together. Guide your teenagers to see the connections. Don't just "lay down the law" and don't expect they will see the connections on their own.

* Help teach kids about healthy relationships. Wanting healthy relationships will help them resist drugs and sexual involvement.

* Notice how people in your family relate to each other. Do you show healthy, non-sexual affection? Do you respect each other's physical boundaries? Do you encourage friendship over romance? Do you model restraint in other areas of your life?

* Explain that teens can make choices about sex, drugs, and alcohol when they are grown up. Explain that their minds and bodies are not ready now to make such important decisions.

* Expect to have many conversations with your children about sex, STDs, alcohol, and drugs. Don't depend on one "big talk."

* Encourage your teenager to make a commitment to abstain from sex and using alcohol until he or she is 21 (or married).

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

42% 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

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

"To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did. I ought to know, I've done it a thousand times." -Mark Twain