Everyone in a community can make a difference in the lives of children and youth. Even if you don't think you can tackle tough problems such as violence, alcohol and other drug use, or school problems, you can make a difference by being a caring, responsible friend for young people. Need some ideas for what you can do? Here are 50 of them:
- Remember their birthday.
- Ask them about themselves
- Play with them.
- Tell them their feelings are OK.
- Be honest.
- Be yourself.
- Notice when they're acting differently.
- Surprise them.
- Share their excitement.
- Send them a letter or postcard.
- Follow them when they lead.
- Hide surprises for them to find.
- Give them space when they need it.
- Laugh at their jokes.
- Create a tradition with them and keep it.
- Show up at their concerts, games, and events.
- Apologize when you've done something wrong.
- Listen to their favorite music with them.
- Thank them.
- Point out what you like about them.
- Clip magazine pictures or articles that interest them.
- Give them your undivided attention.
- Ask for their opinion.
- Introduce them to your friends and family.
- Tell them how much you like being with them.
- Let them tell you how they feel.
- Help them become an expert at something.
- Tell them about yourself.
- Ask them to help you.
- Applaud their successes.
- Nurture them with good food.
- Let them make mistakes.
- Visit their schools.
- Be silly together.
- Hang out together.
- Accept them as they are.
- Become their advocate.
- Trust them.
- Share a secret.
- Do what they like to do.
- Build something together.
- Encourage them to think big.
- Celebrate their firsts and lasts, such as the first day of school.
- Visit them when they're sick.
- Tape record a message for them.
- Introduce them to people of excellence.
- Give them your phone number.
- Introduce them to new experiences.
- Be spontaneous.
- Love them -- no matter what.
Reprinted with permission from Jolene L. Roehlkepartain, "150 Ways to Show Kids You Care" (Minneapolis, MN: Search Institute, 1996). All rights reserved by Search Institute, 1-800-888-7828. Search Institute, 2000.You can learn more about the Search Institute at their website, www.search-institute.org.
