Support

Search Institute articles
These articles will familiarize readers with the developmental assets framework and offer ideas for how to make asset building part of their daily routine. Each article is based on Search Institute's research and can be used in a variety of printed materials, including newsletters and newspapers (page 69, "Get the Word Out - Communication Tools and Ideas for Asset Builders Everywhere").
  1. Introduction to Developmental Assets
  2. Introduction to Asset Building
  3. Support
  4. Empowerment
  5. Boundaries and Expectations
  6. Constructive Use of Time
  7. Commitment to Learning
  8. Positive Values
  9. Social Competencies
  10. Positive Identity

Also Available Online: 40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents Download these valuable assets from the Search Institute's Website.  

See printable list of the 40 Assets...

You can support young people with your love, care, and attention.

Wondering how you can make a difference in the life of a child?  Many studies over the past two decades have confirmed that caring, supportive relationships with adults are critical for raising healthy, resilient adolescents, report the scientists at Search Institute, a nonprofit research organization Minneapolis.

And one of the main components in good adult-youth relationships is support.  But just what does support mean?  It means freely giving love, affirmation, and acceptance; surrounding children and youth with caring families, guardians, friends, teachers, neighbors, and other adults; and helping young people know that they belong, that they are not alone, and that they are both loved and lovable.

Here are four things to remember as you take steps to support young people.

  • Relationships are key.  Building bonds with young people takes action: actively being patient, listening and giving of yourself.
  • Different people and situations call for different kinds of support.  Resolve to comfort young people, defend them, encourage them, help them, be fair, advise them, give them your attention, have high expectations, or simply be there.
  • Support doesn’t have to be big or loud or visible to be important.  Sometimes it’s as small as making a phone call, introducing yourself, returning a smile, noticing when they are sad or disappointed, or remembering to ask about a child’s pet rabbit.  If you’re not sure how to be supportive, ask, the young people themselves.
  • Adults thrive when they are supported too.  You can model support for young people by being supportive toward other adults – praising them, taking time for them, being interested in them, working to understand them.  Pay attention to when you need support, too.  You can improve your support skills by nurturing your own relationships, seeking counseling when you need guidance, joining a support group, or attending a workshop on communication or parenting skills.