You probably wouldn't think of trying new healthy foods to eat without recipes. You certainly wouldn't start building a home without a blueprint.
But what about the most important project of all: child fitness? Why hasn't someone come up with a recipe for raising a happy, successful and mentally healthy child? Well, a nonprofit organization known as the Search Institute has come mighty close.
The Search Institute took a look at well-adjusted children who exhibited personal health and wellness and grew into healthy, well-adjusted adults. They found 40 developmental "assets" or qualities these successful people had in common. They found that the more of these assets each person had while growing up, the more likely he or she was to:
- Earn better grades.
- Get along with his or her peers.
- Avoid doing dangerous things.
- Refuse to give up when things got difficult.
- Develop into a successful adult.
The good news is these 40 developmental assets are free. Together, they form a sort of recipe for raising a happy, healthy child.
External Assets
Twenty of the assets are "external." That is, they're conditions or people in a young person's life that tend to support and nurture him. External assets include high expectations and support from family, school and community. These external assets can be expressed in many ways:
- Boundaries and rules set by parents and caregivers.
- A definite bedtime each night.
- Ability to play with other children in safe settings.
- Chances to interact with caring neighbors or community-based activities.
Internal Assets
The other 20 assets are classified as "internal." They include attitudes, values and skills every child needs to succeed. These assets can also be found in a number of personal traits:
- Positive values like caring and honesty.
- A commitment to learning shown by reading for fun, either with parents or alone when the child is old enough.
- Positive self-images.
- A sense of hope about the future.
Boosting a Child's Assets
As a caring parent and community member, you've probably built up a child's assets without even knowing they exist. But let's examine a few and see how you can apply them on purpose in your family and community:
Asset #1: Family Support
A child's sense of worth begins at home. As a parent or caregiver, you can show love through hugs and encouraging words. Spend time with each child individually, and set aside one evening a week for family get-togethers. Play games, plan a vacation or just talk about things you'd like to do together. Then agree to try some of your child's ideas.
Asset #2: A Caring School Climate
Children need to know that their teachers or caregivers support and care about them. Ask your children how they feel about their school or preschool.
Do they sense the people there support them? Ask why or why not.
Learn the names of your children's classmates and greet them by name. Get involved with your local parent-teacher organization; volunteer at your child's school. You'll not only lend a valuable community service, but you'll show your children you care about them and their peers.
Asset #3: Positive Adult Role Models
Your child's number one role model is the person you see in the mirror each morning. Maintain high standards for yourself. Make sure that other adults in your child's life also model proper behavior.
Talk with your child about the people they see on TV and whether they are good or bad role models. Why or why not? Talk about your own role models, whom you admire and why.
More Information
You can read more tips for boosting your child's assets from the Search Institute, a non-profit organization located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Call them at 800-888-7828 or visit their Web site to read the lists of all 40 developmental assets for children and youth of all ages, including infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Your child will find that life is happier and more fulfilling when it begins with 40.
Dave Warner lives and writes in Clarkston, Michigan. He currently works with the Clarkston Coalition for Youth.