In the early 1990's, a comprehensive study was undertaken to determine what made good kids good. And in turn what attributes would make our youth healthy, happy productive contributing members of society. These researchers looked at 200,000 children and teens grades (6 - 12) who were not in trouble and tallied the results to find behaviors and attitudes that set the good kids apart from those who struggled with behaviors which were considered self-destructive such as substance abuse and violence.

They discovered that it was not simply outward behavior that determined success but inner attitudes that shaped and set a foundation for a productive life. Like any grand broad reaching survey, they focused on general patterns and trends, rather than looking at specific individuals. In the real world there will always be individual exceptions. However, the larger the study, the greater the accuracy.

What they found were 40 Developmental Assets that were identified as building blocks of healthy development that help young people grow up to be healthy, caring and responsible. They divided these 'Assets' into External and Internal. External Assets are those behaviors or conditions which can be outwardly observed. Internal Assets are primarily attitudes, perceptions and emotions which are experienced. While no one will demonstrate all 40 assets, it was found that those who had 20 or more were deemed to be healthy and 'on-track'.

While this social research focuses on "socially acceptable behavior and behavioral trends, please don't assume that it is the goal or objective of this study to foster conformity in behavior 'to better control the masses.'" Rather, we find that youth [and adults for that matter], who develop these assets, have better self-esteem, become more open in their thinking and are more likely to stand up against opposition.

Each child, as they mature and develop, should become more independent. This is often viewed as rebellion. The purpose of rebellion is to become independent or to separate yourself from your present associations, namely parents and the authority figures in our lives. This can be achieved in healthy productive ways that will lead to self-discovery and the development of talents or can be very destructive resulting in the abuse of self and others.

While this study was looking at children, I believe it is important for each of us to evaluate ourselves as well as our children. It is unrealistic for parents to expect their children to develop attitudes and behaviors that are much different from their own. It is said "the fig does not fall far from the tree". Children raised around alcohol and drug-use are much more likely to adopt those behaviors, just as children raised by parents who volunteer and serve in their community are more likely to develop a sense of caring and compassion for others.

Please take some time reviewing these 40 Developmental Assets. I know it is kind of long, and may take some discipline to get all the way through it, but it is important and very worthwhile. Mark each asset that you and your children possess. How many do you have? Over 20? Then highlight those you or a child may need to develop. Do you need to serve or volunteer in your community? Are you reading a half hour each day for pleasure? Do you need to get more involved in music or theater? Are you involved enough with others or do you feel isolated? These guidelines/assets are milepost that will lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. It's not just for kids but for each of us.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Make some plans. The more energy we spend on developing ourselves and those we love, the happier and more fulfilled our lives will become. Too many people are too self-absorbed. We live in a culture of increasing isolation, self-gratification, and materialism. Set goals and make plans to enrich your life, by becoming more interconnected with others and developing your talents.

For more information on these studies and ideas on how you can improve the life of your child and yourself go to: www.search-institute.org

External Assets

Internal Assets

Category Commitment to Learning Positive Values Social Competencies Positive Identity

Asset 21. Achievement Motivation - Young person is motivated to do well in school. Doing well on tests and grades really matter to them. 22. School Engagement - Young person is actively engaged in learning. They enjoy learning new things. 23. Homework - Young person reports doing at least one hour of homework every school day. 24. Bonding to School - Young person cares abour her or his school. They like going to school and don't try to miss school very often. 25. Reading for Pleasure - Young person reads for pleasure three or more hours per week. That's at least a half hour per day. TV and video games do not enrich and enliven the soul like a good book can. 26. Caring - Young person places high value on helping other people. 27. Equality and Social Justice - Young person places high value on promoting equality and reducing hunger and poverty. 28. Integrity - Young person acts on convictions and stands up for her or his beliefs. This assumes, of course, they have convictions and beliefs. 29. Honesty - Young person "tells the truth even when it is not easy." They don't cheat on tests, steal from others and values being honest. 30. Responsibility - Young person accept and takes personal responsibility. Their mantra is NOT, "It's not my fault". 31. Restraint - Young person believes it is important not to be sexually active or to use alcohol or other drugs. 32. Planning and Decision Making - Young person knows how to plan ahead and make decisions. They can make choices on their own without agonizing over it or having someone else tell them what to do. 33. Interpersonal Competence - Young person has empathy, sensitivity, and friendship skills. They are a good friend and have good friends. 34. Cultural Competence - Young person has knowledge of and is comfortable with people of different cultural/racial/ethnic backgrounds. No prejudice. 35. Resistance Skills - Young person can resist negative peer pressure and dangerous situations. The ability to say NO and stick with it under pressure. 36. Peaceful Conflict Resolution - Young person seeks to resolve conflict nonviolently. This includes no screaming, yelling, temper-tantrums and acting out violently to others as well as damaging physical property. 37. Personal Power - Young person feels he or she has control over "things that happen to me." "I can do whatever I set my mind to." 38. Self-Esteem - Young person reports having a high self-esteem. "I like myself" 39. Sense of Purpose - Young person reports that "my life has a purpose." They may not know what it is yet, but feels that there is purpose and meaning in life. 40. Positive View of Personal Future - Young person is optimistic about her or his personal future. In spite of the world they enjoy some optimism.

~ Dr. Kyle D. Christensen D.C. ~

"Herbal first Aid is insightful, clear, and an easy to follow resource book on herbs. It covers herbal lifesaving techniques, storage of herbal remedies and ancient herbal wisdom. This book is a must for alternative health practitioners and I am looking forward to having it in my collection of books on remedies and first aid". - Ellen w. Cutler, D.C. Author of The Food Allergy Cure