Anchorage Daily News:

On April 17, educators found booklets on "40 Ways Anyone Can Build Assets," "150 Ways to Show Kids You Care" and "10 Things Parents Need to Know About Their Teens.

But it all boiled down to one thing for Clarissa Smith, a 4-H program staff member seated at one of the large round tables at the Hotel Captain Cook.

"My husband and I decided that it's a lot easier to build a child than repair an adult," she explained about the philosophy that has sustained her and her husband, Brian, through raising seven children. Caring is at the heart of building a child, she said, adding that it does help parents to have values spelled out in formats such as the Developmental Assets program of the Minnesota-based Search Institute.

"Assets" is being used as a tool to guide parents and teachers in promoting positive youth development.

I resonate with "My husband and I decided that it's a lot easier to build a child than repair an adult." We are so grateful for the work Search is doing to identify the elements of a strength-based approach to healthy youth development.

No doubt you will find their 40 Developmental Assets to be an asset to yourself, whether you are a parent, teacher, mentor, coach, or manager.

-Jennifer
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