The Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition
Asset of the Month: Restraint
Spring is finally here and summer is on its way! This time of the year has many exciting activities: sporting events, art and music shows, plays, prom, and graduation! It is also the time to focus on the Developmental Asset of “Restraint”. Restraint is when a young person believes it is important to refrain from sexual activity or alcohol and other drug use, and instead chooses to be responsible and hold themselves back from making unhealthy decisions their peers may be making.
How can you help to encourage healthy decisions?
- Encourage teenagers to volunteer with at least one organization that can make use of their talents. ·
- Be aware of what opportunities exist for your youth to come in contact with alcohol or other drugs and help them develop strategies to avoid contact; help them identify healthy alternatives.
- Watch television or read books together and discuss the characters and their choices.
- Offer to be their backup and come to their aid if needed without recriminations in that moment. Then the next morning, calmly discuss the situation and any consequences as well as the potential impact of their choice on themselves/others and what they could have done differently.
- Talk about temptations and how to handle/avoid them.
- And remember, the best way to help youth develop the asset of Restraint is to role model the appropriate behaviors.
The mission of the Healthy Communities-Healthy Kids Coalition is to engage Haddam and Killingworth youth and adults in efforts to educate, implement strategies, and change policy to advance the wellness of the community.
For more information visit www.hc-hk.org
