Most of us come into contact with kids every day-and every day we have opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those kids. Kids need other adults in their lives along with parents. The asset survey of over 4,500 youth showed us that while kids have much inner strength, many lack positive adult role models in their lives and feel unwanted and unneeded by the community. Just making a point to say hello, being friendly, and getting to know the names of the kids you see helps kids feel noticed and valued. You can do lots of simple, every day things in your life to show young people that you support and value them. No matter who you are, your simple everyday actions truly can make a big difference. Check out these simple, everyday ideas for connecting with the kids around you:           Adults: Simple Actions           Seniors: Simple Actions           Families: Simple Actions           Youth: Simple Actions Adults: Simple Actions Here are a few ideas for how you can play a part in building assets in youth. What ideas will you add? Learn the names of young people in your neighborhood, and smile when you greet them. Learn about their special interests. Send a card to a young person you know who has accomplished something big. Take your friend's son or daughter on an outing (a hike, a movie, a concert). Talk with the young people you encounter working at the grocery store. Compliment them on their hard work and learn about how they balance the demands of job and school. Ask the young people around you for their opinions on appropriate local issues and projects. Volunteer in the schools. Become a YouthFriend. Back To Top Seniors: Simple Actions Here are a few ideas for how you can play a part in building assets in youth. What ideas will you add? Share what you know about being a good parent with a new parent. Compliment parents on their children's behavior in public places. Be a grandparent for a child who doesn't have one, and listen to their stories. Have a young neighbor over for a freshly-baked treat, and enjoy the conversations that develop around your kitchen table. Let a young person you know help walk your dog. Walks are great for developing conversations! Volunteer in the schools. Become a YouthFriend. Families: Simple Actions Parents and families provide the foundation for their children, day in and day out. We all can use reminders to take the time for new, simple day-to-day family activities. Here are a few ideas. What ideas will you add? Ask your child to help you on the Internet. Help your child choose a family chore that helps her learn a new skill. Volunteer in the community together as a family. Stay connected with your child's teacher. Check in on a regular basis. Try to eat one meal together every day and take the time for each family member to share one important thing from the day. Remember what it was like when you were in school, and share your stories with your kids. Take an interest in your children's friends and their ideas. Get to know their parents and their phone numbers. Back To Top Youth: Simple Actions Youth are powerful asset-builders-not only for themselves, but for their peers and for younger children. Here are a few ideas. What ideas will you add? Talk with younger kids on the bus and compliment them on one of their strengths. Connect with kids at school that seem isolated and alone. Let your teachers and school staff know when they've helped and supported you, or just tell them the reasons you appreciate them. Teach someone to do something that you are really good at. Challenge prejudice, and explain your views of equality and respect. Get involved in a peer-tutoring program at school. If your school has a YouthFriends program, join YouthCorp and become a friend to a younger student.