Sparks

In this practical book, Dr. Peter Benson, a leading authority on childhood and adolescence, describes a simple yet powerful plan for awakening the spark that lives inside each and every young person. Sparks when illuminated and nurtured give young people joy, energy, and direction. They have the power to change a young person s life from one of surviving to thriving. Grounded in new research with thousands of teenagers and parents, Sparks offers a step-by-step approach to helping teenagers discover their unique gifts, and works for all families, no matter their economic status, parenting situation, or ethnic background.

Auteur

PETER L. BENSON, Ph.D., is widely recognized as a leading authority on children and ­teenagers and the processes that help them flourish and thrive. He is the creator of the framework of Developmental Assets and other widely celebrated innovations in human development. He serves as president and CEO of Search Institute, an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities.

Texte du rabat

The GREATEST GIFT parents can give their children is to help them ­discover their purpose and passion.

In this practical book, Dr. Peter Benson, a leading authority on childhood and adolescence, describes a simple yet powerful plan for awakening the spark that lives inside each and every young person. Sparkswhen illuminated and nurturedgive young people joy, energy, and direction. They have the power to change a young person's life from one of surviving to thriving. Grounded in new research with thousands of teenagers and parents, Sparks offers a step-by-step approach to helping teenagers discover their unique gifts, and works for all families, no matter their economic status, parenting situation, or ethnic background. The simple steps are: RECOGNIZE THE POWER OF SPARKS
KNOW YOUR OWN TEENAGER
HELP DISCOVER AND REVEAL YOUR TEEN'S SPARKS
BE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR TEEN'S SPARK TEAM
KEEP YOUR TEEN'S SPARK LIT Young people who identify their sparks and get support in developing them from caring adults have higher grades in school and are more likely to be SOCIALLY COMPETENT
PHYSICALLY HEALTHY
VOLUNTEERS TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE
GOOD STEWARDS OF THE EARTH AND ITS RESOURCES
POSSESSED OF A SENSE OF PURPOSE Isn't this what we all want for our teenagers? Help your teen find his or her spark. Your role is crucial, and this book will give you everything you require to be the spark champion your child needs.

Contenu
Foreword.

Introduction: How Igniting Our Teenagers' Sparks.

Can Support and Save Our Children and Their Future.

Part One: Five Steps to Help Ignite Your Teen's
Sparks.

Step One: Recognize the Power of Sparks.

Step Two: Know Your Own Teenager.

Step Three: Help Discover and Reveal Your Teen's
Sparks.

Step Four: Be the Captain of Your Teen's Spark Team.

Step Five: Keep Your Teen's Spark Lit.

Part Two: What Helps Teens Thrive.

Chapter One: On the Road to a Hopeful Future: Stories from
Across America

Chapter Two: Thriving Youth, Thriving Nation.

Spark Resources.

Teenage Sparks: A Rich National Tapestry.

What Kids Need to Succeed: The 40 Developmental Assets (Ages 12
to 18 Years).

Key Spark Resources.

Notes.

Acknowledgments.

About the Author.

Index.