What Are Sparks?

"A spark is something that gives your life meaning and purpose. It’s an interest, a passion, or a gift."

--Dr. Peter Benson, author of Sparks: How Parents Can Help Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers

  • Sparks are the hidden flames in kids that excite them and tap into their true passions.
  • Sparks come from the gut. They motivate and inspire. They're authentic passions, talents, assets, skills, and dreams.
  • Sparks can be musical, athletic, intellectual, academic, or relational; from playing the violin to working with kids or senior citizens.
  • Sparks can ignite a lifelong vocation or career, or balance other activities to create an emotionally satisfying, enriched life.
  • Sparks get kids going on a positive path, away from the conflicts and negative issues—violence, promiscuity, drugs, and alcohol—that give teens a bad name and attract so much negative energy.

    • An extensive discussion on the concept of sparks as well as a step-by-step approach to helping teens discover their unique gifts can be found in Sparks: How Parents Can Help Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers

    Ariana Beeby is a fifth-grade student at Greenvale Park Elementary school in Northfield, MN. Ariana talks about her spark in the video below.