Development Assets

I found this great monthly feature column on the 5 Minutes for Mom web site about empowering youth. A few words about summer activities caught my eyes.
I clicked on the link for the 40 Developmental Assets and was surprised to see a link for all children's age groups.
So next, I am reading the list for 3 - 5 year olds, Early Childhood.

The assets are explained in categories: support, empowerment, boundaries, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, positive identity and social competencies. What I really liked is the "Take Action" area, roll your mouse over it and there are ideas on how to implement each asset. I downloaded the file and will review each one for new ideas for AA to do with us. Let me know what you think (and if you decide on an activity, please share!).

Here's a few words from the "Power of Assets": Studies of more than 2.2 million young people in the United States consistently show that the more assets young people have, the less likely they are to engage in a wide range of high-risk behaviors and the more likely they are to thrive. Assets have power for all young people, regardless of their gender, economic status, family, or race/ethnicity. Furthermore, levels of assets are better predictors of high-risk involvement and thriving than poverty or being from a single-parent family.

So many resources contained on the web site, if you have teenagers, this "Sparks!" site looked like a great resources too.

Always check this web site for the list of weekly giveaways. It's always fun to visit new blogs and try for a chance to win a cool prize!