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Family Connection Is Key
Tip #1: Create a Safe Space and Growth Opportunities
01
Be Predictable
Routines and consistent rules and consequences help kids know what to expect. With this security, they are better able to learn, try new things, stregthen bonds and improve self-worth.
02
Spend Uninterrupted Time
Every minute you spend together is a chance to get to know your child better. How exciting! It also teaches them that they matter.
03
Listen and Validate
Validation doesn't always mean agreement. It does mean that you hear them and acknowledge their feelings as real. In turn, kids learn to value themselves and trust their own emotions.
04
Give Responsibility
Use chores, family outings and general acts of kindness to help kids learn that they can do hard things: a real self-worth builder.
05
Give Responsibility
Expect the best from your children and you’ll usually get it.
06
Give Praise
To build true self-worth, recognize the behavior and attitudes that got them their successes. Praise solely for accomplishment teaches us that we are only as good as our last test score or goal scored.
Peer Connection Is Key
Tip #2: Help Youth Discover a Sense of Belonging
01
Model Healthy Relationships
What kids hear and see from trusted adults greatly impacts their decision-making as they mature.
03
Teach Quality Over Quantity
Shallow friendships are many and fleeting. Set a goal of one or two true friendships based on mutual interests and shared beliefs. That’s all we need in life.
02
Get to Know Their Friends
Take an interest in every new friend to show your kids that you value what they value. Reinforce good friend choices to empower them for future relationships.
04
Appreciate FOMO
Recognize the pain that comes from feeling excluded. Take these moments to just sit and be sad with your child. When the time is right, help them move past it with new activities, new groups, and new people.
Community Connection Is Key
Tip #3: Build New Bridges to Learn Our Value in the World
01
Pick Your Passion
Kids and parents alike should let their interests guide their connections. Let your kids see you engage and they are likely to follow suit one day. Book clubs, faith communities, sport leagues, school clubs etc.
03
Share a Commitment to School
Studies show a declining commitment to school for 12 – 18 year olds. Since they spend roughly 35 hours a week in a school setting, strong connections there are valuable.
05
Volunteerism
Each time we help someone else, we are reminded that the space we take up on the planet matters. So grab a friend or family member and get out there!
02
Be Positive
Whereever you connect, focus on the good that’s happening. You may not agree on all the politics or policies, but positivity and an attitude of non-judgment will fuel a desire to remain connected to any cause.
04
Prioritize Mentorship
Through organized mentor programs or informal relationships, positive adult influences outside the immediate family are tremendously beneficial to youth.
06
Youth as Mentors
With all their many strengths, help your child see themselves as a role model or mentor for someone else. A sibling, a neighbor, a non-tech savvy relative. Their sense of value will expand dramatically.