Try This!
These statements can be turned into questions and are great conversation starters when you want to have one of those “serious talks” with your kid(s). Use this checklist as an activity to do with your kids!
Note: This checklist is not intended nor appropriate as a scientific or accurate measurement of developmental assets.
- I receive high levels of love and support from family members
- I can go to my parent(s) or guardian(s) for advice and support and have frequent, in depth conversations with them
- I know some non parent adults I can go to for advice and support
- My school provides a caring, encouraging environment
- My parent(s) or guardian(s) help me succeed in school
- I feel valued by adults in my community
- I am given useful roles in my community
- I serve in the community one hour or more each week
- I feel safe at home, at school and in the neighborhood
- My family sets standards for appropriate conduct and monitors my whereabouts
- My school has clear rules and consequences for behavior
- Neighbors take responsibility for monitoring my behavior
- Parent(s) and other adults model positive, responsible behavior
- My best friends model responsible behavior
- My parent(s) or guardian(s) and teachers encourage me to do well
- I spend three hours or more each week in lessons or practice in music, theater, arts or other creative activities
- I spend three hours or more each week in school or community sports, clubs or organizations
- I spend one hour or more each week in religious services or participating in spiritual activities
- I go out with friends with nothing special to do two or fewer nights per week
- I want to do well in school
- I am actively engaged in learning
- I do an hour or more of homework each school day
- I care about my school
- I read for pleasure three or more hours each week
- I believe it is really important to help other people
- I want to help promote equality and reduce world poverty and hunger
- I can stand up for what I believe
- I tell the truth even when it’s not easy
- I can accept and take personal responsibility
- I believe it is important not to be sexually active
- I believe it is not important to use alcohol or other drugs
- I am good at planning ahead and making decisions
- I am good at making and keeping friends
- I know and am comfortable with people of different cultural/religious/ racial/ethnic backgrounds
- I can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations
- I try to resolve conflict nonviolently
- I enjoy keeping up with community, state, national and international events and news
- I believe I have control over many things that happen to me
- I feel good about myself
- I believe my life has a purpose
- I am optimistic about my future
Add more!
It is so easy to enter into serious discussions with your young person by using the above points… over dinner or in the car just bring something up “Hey, do you ever think about…” and drop in a point. Get a conversation started!