What do kids need?

Well, what do they need? Of course they need sleep, shelter, nutritious food, love and support, friendships, time to play and explore, fresh air and movement. This list is no small feat in and of itself, some days more than others. But when we take a close look at what kids really need to grow up healthy, caring and responsible, there are some very specific things that need to happen in a child's life. Below are just a few:

• positive family communication
• additional support from non-adult parents
• service to others
• clear boundaries (including family, school and neighborhood)
• school engagement
• integrity
• cultural competence
• personal power
• sense of purpose

These are some of the 40 Developmental Assets developed by the Search Institute (a nonprofit out of Minneapolis) based on research over two decades. They have identified a "set of skills, experiences, relationships and behaviors that enable young people to develop into successful and contributing adults." Their research from over 4 million children and youth shows that the more Developmental Assets young people acquire, the better their chances of succeeding in school and becoming happy, healthy, and contributing members of their communities and society.  Check these Assets out!  http://www.search-institute.org/research/developmental-assets

The best part about the Search Institute's website is that it includes very specific and concrete strategies we can take to develop these assets in young people. And this includes all of the young people in your life- your own children, your children's friends, the children in your neighborhood, the ones at your place of worship, those you see at the grocery store, etc. Click on "Take Action" next to each Asset for suggestions. http://www.search-institute.org/content/40-developmental-assets-adolescents-ages-12-18

I was reminded of these Developmental Assets at the Children's Museum of Tacoma's annual luncheon and symposium that I had the opportunity to attend on Thursday morning (along with many Annie Wright parents). Clay Roberts, national leader and speaker on the development of healthy, contributing young people was a part of this event two years ago and again this week. Then and now, he spoke about the importance for all of us in developing these Assets in children and youth. I first learned about the Developmental Assets fifteen years ago while I was an AmeriCorps Member working with high-risk youth in downtown Seattle and still find them just as powerful and helpful today as I did then.  Because of them, I make a point to say hello to young people I do not know when I walk around town. I make sure the rules and boundaries in our family are clear, and the consequences consistent. Much of what I strive to achieve in my job at Annie Wright and as a parent are based on these Developmental Assets.  Our children need opportunities to be independent and the Search Institute tells us why. They give us direction when we need guidance, and who doesn't need a little guidance now and then? I hope you explore the site and find the Assets equally as helpful and inspiring.

Take care!