As a parent, it is hard to be all things all the time to our kids. No matter how hard we may try to be there for our kids 24/7 it is just hard and sometimes we slip. So why not invite other adults to help you build a team of support for your kids? Who did you turn to for advice, comfort, and understanding when you were young? If you had an adult outside your family who was there for you during tough times and good times, you probably understand how important a relationship like that is for a young person. Problem is, we live in a society that doesn’t always encourage adults and youth to spend time together. Let’s face it, sometimes kids don’t want to talk with someone in the family. Sometimes, especially when dealing with divorce or other family issues, kids want someone outside the situation to lean on.
Here are the facts:
Research shows that young people who have three or more caring adults (besides parents or guardians) who support them feel happier and more hopeful, do better in school, and are less likely to rely on drinking, smoking, or drugs to feel good or fit in. About 47 percent of Washington County young people have three or more nonparent adults in their lives, according to Search Institute’s Attitudes & Behavior survey. Caring adults are important to the development of young people, especially if those adults are open to discussing tough questions and know how to listen without judging.
Tips for building this asset:
Look to some of these people to help you build your team:
- Ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for your kids when they are home alone or outside playing.
- Consider finding a mentor for your child through Big Brothers Big Sisters or Kids Hope.
- Introduce your kids to other adults when out running errands or at church.
- Invite teachers and coaches to always talk with you about things they see in your child, both good and bad. Let them know they can always talk with you when it comes to your kids.
- Search for responsible teenagers/young adults to get more involved in serving as an “idol” to your kids.
Whether you’re a neighbor, teacher, tutor, bus driver, coach, aunt, older cousin, or coffee shop worker—you can be a good friend to a young person. Young people want adults besides their parents to count on so start building your team!