Wow, hard to believe we are almost half way through October! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend! This seems to be perfect timing to talk about Asset #3...Relationships with other Adults.
When we are surrounded by friends and family during a holiday weekend like Thanksgiving, we are keenly aware of the importance of the relationships in our lives. Even if we are involved in a long term committed relationship, the majority of people have a much larger network of friends and support. The same need for more connection, support and relationships holds true for children.
As our children become older and develop interests along with their gifts and ablities, the time is going to come that we as parents are unequipped to be everything that our child needs. We see evidence of this when they have music teachers, coaches or instructors that have expertise more specialized than what we posess. Time spent with these kinds of people can offer more than strictly technical instruction. When young people have the chance to learn from, interact and be listened to by other caring adults in their lives they experience greater self esteem and connection to their community.
We don't have to look very far to see other options for these caring adults for our children to connect with. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbours and family friends are other people that can offer a listening ear or advice to your child. The more people in your child's life that offers unconditional support and some special attention helps build your child into a confident and contributing member of our community.
We can also be that extra support person to other young people in our lives. Take the time to get to know your child's friends, volunteer to coach a sports team or mentor a young person in your community and be that caring adult for other kids in your neighbourhood.
Have a great week and keep helping kids develop, one asset at a time!
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