Laying a Solid Foundation For Your Child's Future

Clare Jones, M.Ed., Prevention Supervisor, Helping Services for Northeast Iowa

When dreaming of what you want for your children when they grow up, what kinds of things do you imagine? That they will be caring, responsible, fun, successful? We all hope our children will overcome obstacles in their lives and avoid risky behaviors. In this world, your children will face many influences as they grow, including media and peer pressure. What can you do as a parent to help lay a solid foundation for them?

One thing you can do is to help increase the number of developmental assets your children have. After years of research, the Search Institute made a list of 40 assets that every child needs to grow up healthy, well adjusted, and strong. The more assets a child has, the less likely he or she is to engage in risky behaviors, such as using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. If your children have more assets, they will be more likely to succeed in school, help friends and neighbors, and be a leader.

Take a look at the list of developmental assets. Did you know the average 6th grader has only 22 of the 40? Start working now to give your children a great start. Make a commitment to do something to increase your children’s assets every day. Building assets doesn’t need to cost anything. Spending quality time with your children, giving them opportunities to make decisions, and being involved in their school or child care all are ways to increase your child’s assets.

If you would like a copy of the Search Institute’s 40 developmental assets or if you are interested in more information on asset building or substance abuse prevention in our community, please call Helping Services for Northeast Iowa at (563) 582-5317.

40 Developmental Assets for Early Childhood

Family support
Positive family communication
Other adult relationships
Caring neighbors
Caring climate in child care and educational settings
Parent involvement in child care and education
Community cherishes and values young children
Children seen as resources
Service to others
Safety
Family boundaries
Boundaries in child care and educational settings
Neighborhood boundaries
Adult role models
Positive peer relationships
Positive expectations
Play and creative activities
Out-of-home and community programs
Religious community
Time at home
Motivation to mastery
Engagement in learning experiences
Home-program connection
Bonding to programs
Early literacy
Caring
Equality and social justice
Integrity
Honesty
Responsibility
Self-regulation
Planning and decision making
Interpersonal skills
Cultural awareness and sensitivity
Resistance skills
Peaceful conflict resolution
Personal power
Self-esteem
Sense of purpose
Positive view of personal future

Download this list with descriptions for each asset at www.search-institute.org.