Below are ideas to help you give kids what they need from adults:
Be bold and introduce yourself to the young people who live around you. Then write down their names to help you remember.
Tell parents when you see their child doing something responsible or generous.
Work to build positive relationships with your child’s friends. Ask them about their schoolwork and show an interest in their activities.
Participate in activities like block parties or community meals where generations can get to know each other better in fun ways.
Volunteer to help an organization or an individual. Ask one or two young people to work alongside you.
Share your values and beliefs with young people you know, and ask them to tell you about theirs.
Commend people who work with kids, such as teachers, day care workers, administrators, other school staff, or mentors.
Attend a game, play, musical program, or other event that includes young people you know. After the event, thank them for their effort.
At work, lobby for job shadowing, mentoring, or other programs that provide opportunities for employees to be positive role models for young people.
Send e-mail greetings to young people you know to celebrate important events in their lives, such as birthdays, holidays, their first day of school, a good report card, graduation, or new driver’s license.
