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Speak Up

Like adults, young people have a lot of decisions to make everyday, especially those going off to college or university this fall. What do I want to be? What is the best school for my field? Do I want to live in a dorm or in an apartment? How much money should I be saving?

Some decisions are easy, while others can be difficult. But all of these decisions are good practice for their future as they learn how to navigate through their adult lives. When young people start connecting the decisions they are making to their life goals, the better they will get at planning for what they truly want.

Research shows those who learn to make good decisions and plan ahead do better in school and are better able to accomplish more of what they want. As parents, we can encourage our children to make good decisions. Yes, we can give advice, but letting them make the actual decisions helps them to grow up more responsible.

And as parents, we can show young people different strategies to effectively plan and make good decisions. Think about your own planning and decision-making skills. Let your young people see you use calendars and lists. Talk with them about how you plan. Be patient with your teenagers as they learn to make decisions. Let them talk out their choices, without rushing them to choose. Give them real scenarios to solve: we are going to P.E.I. this weekend, what will you need to pack?

The fact is that according to Search Institute only 29 per cent of young people say they know how to plan ahead and make good choices. Let's intentionally begin to build this asset for the young people in our lives so they can reap the benefits and grow up responsible and productive.

To learn more about the 40 developmental assets please call me at 623-2054 or email marylynn.jardine@miramichi.org.