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Rudy Ruggles, Editor
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Friday, 11 September 2009 14:40 |
Sometimes adults do things they aren't proud of-swear, watch too much television, argue. Making mistakes is understandable, but remember young people look up to adults. They see you-especially if you're a parent-as the type of person they want to become someday. They want heroes. That's why it's so important to be the best person you can be. Adult Role Models is Asset 14 of Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.
Research shows that young people are more likely to exhibit positive, responsible behavior when they have parents and other adults in their lives who model positive, responsible behavior. Having good role models is one of the greatest desires of most young people. However, only 31 percent of nearly 1,300 Ridgefield High School students who completed the Search Institute Survey of Attitudes and Behaviors last year said that their parents and other adults with whom they interact, or observe, model positive, responsible behavior. Stated another way, this means that 7 out of 10 of our high school youth lack adequate positive adult role models - by their own measure and expectations.
According to experts, what most young people need more than anything else in their lives is positive social interaction with adults. These interactions expose young people to real-life guides. Be a role model for the young people around you, and help them find other responsible adults to be part of their lives as well. The more positive role models young people have, the better! Let's all try a little harder to "practice what we preach."
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