Having caring neighbours around helps young people feel safe and supported. As an adult, here are a few things you can do to support your neighbourhood kids, and to help build a caring neighbourhood for your own children.
- Have a neighbourhood celebration or block party on the first and last day of each school year. Invite parents, youth, teachers, and other neighbours.
- Let the kids in your neighbourhood know that they can cut through your yard, play basketball in your driveway, sled down your hill, or shovel your walk for cash – whatever you’re comfortable with.
- If you live in an apartment or condo, greet people in common areas such as front steps, lobbies, courtyards, and laundry rooms. Start conversations and get to know your neighbours.
- Organize informal activities for the youth in your neighbourhood, like pick-up basketball. If they’re interested, offer to hold it every week.
- Organize neighbourhood-wide event such as bake sales, garage sales, or swap meets.
RECOMMENDED READING: Tag, You’re It! 50 Ways to Connect With Young People by Kathleen Kimball-Baker
Search Institute has identified 40 building blocks of healthy development, known as Developmental Assets, that help adolescents to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. Visit us here every Wednesday to read about different ways that you, your family, and your community can take action to help equip our young people develop resilience and achieve success in life.
Phoenix Education Foundation 