June 1998
As children grow and develop, families pass on to them many important resources. We often think of our "inheritance" as the financial benefit we may gain at the end a close family member's life. However, families pass on more than just "financial" capital. Particularly during adolescence, parents, extended family, and the community have the opportunity to pass on to teenagers what some researchers call "social capital" the human resources that adolescents put to use for the rest of their lives. Studies are showing that one of the most important forms of social capital is access to multiple caring adults in children's lives.
Why are multiple adults outside the family so important? While parents lay the foundation for values, goals, and rules for behavior, we know that children and adolescents need positive reinforcement. Teenagers need reinforcement from adults that they know and respect outside the family, particularly for those difficult times when it is hard for parents and teens to communicate. This positive reinforcement means a lot when it comes from adults outside the home. The Search Institute considers access to 3 or more caring adults in addition to parents a critical "asset" for healthy child and adolescent development. Whether they are teachers, religious leaders, extended family, neighbors, or volunteers in youth organizations, adults who show support and guidance to children play an important role in adolescent's lives. It has been said that the strongest predictor of the reason a child has overcome a difficult childhood is the presence of a strong adult figure in his or her life.
How do families nurture these connections with caring adults? Usually this happens without us even knowing it; it happens in extended families, neighborhoods, and religious communities. More importantly, research is showing that parents who are active in their communities have children who are more active in school, church, and the community. This is particularly true for parents who spend time connecting their children to other adults by involving them in a 4-H club, for example. The main benefits of these activities for youth are the exposure to adults who can help guide them through the teenage years.
When a group of 8th graders in Taylor discovered the dangers of tobacco, they decided to do something about it. Their efforts led to the establishment of a city-wide ban on tobacco possession for youth. Elementary students were instrumental in developing the plan for the landscape projects completed in Burwell with help from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
Around the world, young people are making a difference in their neighborhoods, schools and communities. They're collecting cans for food shelves, reading to seniors, recycling, and planting trees. They're working alone and in groups to identify problems and come up with solutions.
If they can do it, so can you. Maybe you're thinking, "I'm just one person!" So what? Lots of young people serve others on their own. Or they start on their own and inspire others to join them. Adults sometimes think it is easier to do things "for" youth. Engaging young people as planners is about utilizing their skills and enthusiasm.
Resources:
Elder, G.H., Jr., & R. Conger. (1998). Leaving the Land: Rural Youth at Century's End.
Search Institute (Feb. 1997). Source, vol.XIII no.1.
Servenet: The Premier Service And Volunteering Web Site - www.servenet.org
Steinberg (1996) Adolescence. 4th Edition.
This Back Page was contributed by Janet Hanna, Extension Educator, Garfield-Loup-Wheeler Counties, Nebraska
