Building Assets Across the Lifespan: Youth
Building Assets Across the Lifespan 001:
from Amanda Valente-Confer, Engagement Specialist at Discover You™
All youth have the potential to thrive. Adult relationships are essential to help young people grow and develop. As adults, we can intentionally create connections with the young people around us. We don’t have to be a teacher, counselor, or afterschool professional. We can be a friend, parent, aunt or uncle, athletic coach, or community member. We all have the power to build assets in youth to help them live their potential.
It doesn’t take any special skills to be an asset builder. It can be as simple as taking the time to acknowledge the teenager taking your order or bagging your groceries. Notice them. Ask about their day. Listen to them. By taking the time to interact and have a conversation, you can show them that they are valued.
When it comes to the youth in our care, giving them a voice can go a long way. Encouraging them to explore their interests and passions can open new avenues they can only imagine. You can support a lifelong love of learning in youth simply by being present and showing an interest in them.
Some simple ways you can build assets when interacting with young people:
Notice something positive about them and tell them
Praise their effort along with their accomplishments
Listen to them
Be honest with them about your mistakes
Ask what was good about their day
Take time to understand what excites them
Learn something new from them
Discover You™ implements asset building framework and philosophies into our programs. We engage with youth and adults who impact them to equip them to tackle challenges, build resilience, care for their wellbeing, and increase academic success. When we invest our time into building assets in our youth, our community is richer for it.
This article was shared from Building Assets Across the Lifespan Workgroup, under the Mental Wellbeing Committee, which is part of the Community Health Improvement Plan. The CHIP was created by the Health and Human Services Council.
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