You don’t have to take on a major new commitment to build assets. To get started, pick an idea from the “Getting Started” column. For more of a challenge, pick an idea from the “Taking It Further” column.
Getting Started
Taking It Further
Infants &
Toddlers (Birth to 35 months)
Celebrate when a baby is born.
Take time to play with them at their eye level.
Expose toddlers to positive values and skills by modeling and teaching them to clean up, share toys, and be nice to other people.
Start reading to them right away.
Provide caring, stimulating, and safe environments (e.g., have age-appropriate toys, use safety devices on electrical outlets).
Offer to help a parent by caring for her or his child (giving the parent a break) or by doing other things that would ease the parent’s stress.
Getting Started
Taking It Further
Preschoolers (Ages 3 to 5)
Get down to their eye level when talking to them.
Play catch, tag, hide ‘n’ seek, or other games together.
Ask them to tell you about things they’ve done or seen.
Read books to them.
Take them to museums, concerts, arts events, festivals, and other cultural events that welcome children.
Be an example of how to act—don’t just tell them what to do or not do.
Getting Started
Taking It Further
Elementary-age
Children (Ages 6 to 11)
Send them letters, e-mail or newspaper clippings on subjects that interest them.
Let them read books to you.
Encourage them to use their words rather than actions to express their needs, worries, or fears.
Volunteer to lead a scouting, drama, music, or other program or activity.
Invite them to be part of service projects you do in your family, school, congregation, or community.
Getting Started
Taking It Further
Teenagers (Ages 12 to 18)
Greet them when you see them. Ask how they’re doing.
Congratulate kids when they accomplish something.
Ask for their opinions or perspectives.
Spend time as a mentor, coach, or other youth leader.
Invite neighborhood teenagers to “hang out” in your home (when you’re there). Take time to chat with them.
Advocate for youth having safe places to spend time with friends in the community.
40 Developmental Assets—Search Institute,
615 First Avenue N.E., Suite 125, Minneapolis, MN 55413; 800-888-7828
Learn more about the assets and how you can apply these same principals in your family, organization and business.
