By Patti Duckworth, Lower School Counselor
As Associate Head of School Peter Kraft notes in his latest blog entry, an important part of our mission is to "prepare our children for the road ahead." As we consider that simple yet profound statement, it begs the question of how we (school and families) may best prepare our children to succeed in today's dynamic society. One lens in which we may view a research-based response to the question is to consider asset building in children. This approach is based on the premise that we may minimize or prevent at-risk behaviors from occurring by ensuring that our children are developing a strong foundation of assets. The concept suggests that the more assets our children possess, the stronger the probability that they will grow into healthy, caring, responsible adults who are fully prepared for the challenges they may encounter in the future.
The Search Institute conducted a lengthy study many years ago to identify building blocks of healthy development in children, known as 40 Developmental AssetsŪ. The Institute continues to review and update this extensive study to ensure relevance in today's global society.
The first twenty assets identified by the Search Institute are listed as External Assets, which fall under these four general categories:
* Support - Family support, positive family communication, other adult relationships, caring neighborhood, caring school climate, & parent involvement in schooling
* Empowerment - Community values youth, youth as resources, service to others, & safety
* Boundaries and Expectations - Family boundaries, school boundaries, neighborhood boundaries, adult role models, positive peer influence, & positive expectations.
* Constructive Use of Time - Creative activities, youth programs, religious community, time at home
The remaining assets are listed as Internal Assets, categorized under:
* Commitment to Learning - Achievement motivation, school engagement, homework, bonding to school, reading for pleasure
* Positive Values - Caring, equality and social justice, integrity, honesty, responsibility, restraint
* Social Competencies - Planning and decision making, interpersonal competence, cultural competence, resistance skills, peaceful conflict resolution
* Positive Identity - Personal power, self-esteem, sense of purpose, positive view of personal future
While we may all agree that is extremely important for us to collectively build these assets in our children, it is a bit tricky in our fast-paced world. Fortunately I am sure you are already doing many of the right things to build positive assets at home. Equally important, caring, nurturing adults such as extended family, grandparents, school staff, and close friends may also contribute to asset building. Check out the list below, and count the ways that you are already building positive assets at home:
NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS
Positive communication - Family members listen attentively and speak in respectful ways.
Affection - Family members regularly show warmth to each other.
Emotional openness - Family members can be themselves and are comfortable sharing their feelings.
Support for sparks - Family members encourage each other in pursuing their talents and interests.
ESTABLISHING ROUTINES
Family meals - Family members eat meals together most days in a typical week.
Shared activities - Family members regularly spend time doing everyday activities together.
Meaningful traditions - Holidays, rituals, and celebrations are part of family life.
Dependability - Family members know what to expect from one another day-to-day.
MAINTAINING EXPECTATIONS
Openness about tough topics - Family members openly discuss sensitive issues, such as sex and substance use.
Fair rules - Family rules and consequences are reasonable.
Defined boundaries - The family sets limits on what young people can do and how they spend their time.
Clear expectations - The family openly articulates its expectations for young people.
Contributions to family - Family members help meet each other's needs.
ADAPTING TO CHALLENGES
Management of daily commitments - Family members effectively navigate competing activities and expectations at home, school, and work.
Adaptability - The family adapts well when faced with changes.
Problem solving - Family members work together to solve problems and deal with challenges.
Democratic decision-making - Family members have a say in decisions that affect the family.
CONNECTING TO COMMUNITY
Neighborhood cohesion - Neighbors look out for one another.
Relationships with others - Family members feel close to teachers, coaches, and others in the community.
Enriching activities - Family members participate in programs and activities that deepen their lives.
Supportive resources - Family members have people and places in the community that they can turn to for help.
While no single philosophy approach is the best way to promote healthy growth and development, hopefully the asset-building framework gives us reason to celebrate the things we already have in place for our children, and helps us partner together to support and enrich student growth each day.
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