Ideas For
Reaching Out to Youth

What Every Child Needs

FUN - Take time to laugh and play and share the wonders of life with me.

AFFECTION - Warm hugs will nurture me and make this world a friendlier place.

ACCEPTANCE - Appreciate me for the individual I am, with all my unique gifts and special talents.

RESPECT - Treat me like an important and valuable person and I will learn to respect and honor myself and others.

PRAISE - Tell me all the things you appreciate about me so I know how wonderful I really am.

SECURITY - Give me boundaries that will allow me to grow safely, feel secure and overcome my fears.

HONESTY - Share your real feelings and admit your mistakes to me, so I will learn what it means to be a real person.

PATIENCE - Be understanding when I make my own mistakes; remember, even when it does not seem like it, I am trying to do my best.

FORGIVENESS - Remind me that nobody is perfect and that it feels much better to forgive than hold a grudge.

ENCOURAGEMENT - Support me and be positive as I try new things and I will have the courage to keep exploring.

OPENNESS - Listen to me and be open to what you may be able to learn from me.

LOVE - If you care for me in all these ways, you will be giving me the best life has to offer.