Developmental Assets is a phrase coined by the Search Institute to identify and define the building blocks of healthy development that help young children grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. Wow, that is a big deal! We all want our children to be successful and the Search Institute has done the research and spoken to the kids to develop a framework that parents and children can use as a resource. On their website, Developmental Assets are laid out clearly by the Search Institute and broken down into age groupings starting at 3 years old.

Developmental Assets are the basic building blocks of positive development. The positive experiences and qualities of these assets help children grow up to become caring, responsible adults. The Developmental Assets categories are the same for all ages because they are the same foundational values. What does shift is the detail of what children need at different times in their lives. The best part of the lists I am about to show you is that there are Action Steps for each of the specific areas. This offers parents ways to take small action steps to move you, your family, and your child toward a more healthy, caring and responsible foundation.

Developmental Assets for all ages: Support, Empowerment, Boundaries & Expectations, Constructive Use of Time, Commitment to Learning, Positive Values, Social Competencies, and Positive Identity.

Introduction to Developmental Assets video

• Developmental Assets list for children 3 to 5 click here.
• Developmental Assets list for children 5 to 9 click here.
• Developmental Assets list for children 8 to 12 click here.
• Developmental Assets list for children 12 to 18 click here.

Let me know what you think. Our family is trying to weave these assets into our lives, conversations, and actions. It feels right!