Connecting with Kids Makes a Difference

A little time spent positively supporting kids can make a big difference for our community. Take a look at the facts:

• Youth who have positive mentors are more likely to stay in school and earn high grades and less likely to smoke, use drugs or carry a weapon. (Public/Private Ventures)
• Children who are read to at least three times a week start school ready to learn and are able to master reading and language skills more quickly. (Early Childhood Longitudinal Study)
• An adult’s attitude is key to a child’s successful learning. A recent study shows that when adults approach children in a spirit of equal partnership and respect, the child learns more quickly, is more involved in learning and more creative about problem solving. (National Teacher Research Panel)
• Youth who have positive family role models and good family communication are 2.5 times less likely to use alcohol than youth without these assets. (Oman, Vesely, et.al.)
• Singing, talking and playing with young children activates the construction of their developing brain and has a positive impact on their future learning and career success. (Carnegie Foundation)
• Kids who regularly eat dinner with their family are healthier, better adjusted emotionally, and have high self-esteem. (Nemours Health and Prevention Services.)

It Just Takes One

It just takes one caring person to help kids grow up healthy, safe and loved.

• Notice them.
• Ask them about themselves.
• Cheer their accomplishments.
• Introduce them to new experiences.
• Expect their best, don’t expect perfection.
• Praise them for doing something right.
• Laugh at their jokes.
• Create a safe environment.
• Make decisions together.
• Build something together.
• Inspire their creativity.
• Invite them over for juice.
• Listen to their favorite music with them.
• Love them, no matter what.

Excerpted from Roehlkepartain, Jolene. 150 Ways to Show Kids You Care. Search Institute (Minneapolis, MN) copyright 1998. www.search-institute.org