SUGGESTIONS FOR BUILDING ASSETS

Asset # 40- Positive View of Personal Future

(Young people are hopeful and confident about their future) 

To Build Asset # 40 Parents and Extended Family Can . . .

* Talk to your children about what they want to be when they grow up. Encourage them to look forward to things that might be happening in the near future (vacation, school, etc.)

* Tell your children that you believe in them and their ability to do all in life that they choose. Help them set goals and work toward their dreams.

* Discuss news programs and papers and current events at home, putting in perspective that all news is not bad— balancing the good that goes on and the positive possibilities in the future.

* Be positive. If you are feeling good about your life and your future, even through hard times, then your children will adopt that same attitude.

* Celebrate the little things in life, so your children get used to looking for and finding the little things to be grateful for.

* Make plans with your children. Tell them what you will do together in the summer. Talk about how you will fish together, swim, or take walks on the beach. Then make sure that you do those things when summer comes around.

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 70% 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

Studies have shown that when people envision themselves reaching their goals, they're more likely to make it happen. That's why it's important for us to picture a positive future for ourselves.