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Start Talking!
Know! Positive Relationships Build Character
12/1/2016
One of the greatest gifts you can give your children cannot be bought
online or in-store. While it is not likely to be on their holiday wish
list, this gift is likely to bring your children greater happiness with
lifelong benefits. We are talking about the gift of positive
relationships and character development.
Search Institute began a multi-year project based on their creation of
the Developmental Relationships Framework, which examines the close
connections in children’s lives - parents, peers, mentors, teachers and
other caring adults – and the impact they have on character
development. Significant relationships in a child’s life are associated
with their motivation to learn and take personal responsibility for
their actions. Also, youth with strong, positive relationships are
shown to be more resilient when faced with stress and trauma - which
can otherwise lead to risky and dangerous behavioral coping strategies
(like drinking, smoking and using other drugs).
The idea behind the Developmental Relationships Framework is to
consistently surround young people with positive, supportive
relationships to help them thrive; in their families, schools, programs
and neighborhoods.
The Search Institute provides the following five fundamental elements
as part of the relationship-strengthening framework and shares
specifics on how parents, teachers, coaches, etc. can act on them:
1. Express Care: Show me that I matter to you
Be dependable; Really pay attention when we’re together; Make me feel
known and valued; Show me you enjoy being with me; Encourage me; Praise
me for my efforts and achievements
2. Challenge Growth: Push me to keep getting better
Expect me to live up to my potential; Push me to go further; Insist I
take responsibility for my actions; Help me learn from my mistakes and
failures
3. Provide Support: Help me complete tasks and achieve goals
Guide me through difficult situations; Empower me to take charge of my
life; Defend me when I need it; Set boundaries to keep me on track
4. Share Power: Treat me with respect and give me a say
Take me seriously and treat me fairly; Include me in decisions that
affect me; Collaborate with me to solve problems and reach goals;
Create opportunities for me to take action and lead
5. Expand Possibilities: Connect me with people and places that broaden my world
Inspire me to see possibilities for my future; Expose me to new ideas,
people, experiences and places; Connect me with more people who can
help me develop and thrive
A young person with a sense of purpose, self-worth and self-respect,
who feels loved and supported, is much more likely to experience
success in school and work, care about their community, and excel in
other areas of life. So as you’re making your lists and checking them
twice this holiday season, keep the above list in mind, as it promises
to be the gift that keeps on giving.
Learn how to get the conversation started at StartTalking.Ohio.Gov.
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