The single parents' kids are planners and problem solvers. Research shows that resilient children and teens can overcome daunting challenges at home or in the neighborhood, while another teen from a seemingly traditional family may fail to cope. Yes, whoever has the most wins. No, not the most money or rich relatives or number of parents, but the most of 40 developmental assets. Resiliency is one of them, along with motivation, responsibility, restraint, planning and decision making, resistance skills, purpose, personal power, and a positive view of your personal future, The more you have, the less likely you are to fall prey to the risk behaviors, the more likely you are to do well in school, and to have a positive attitude about yourself.
Assets can help teens become someone others can look up to, count on, trust, and respect.
The authors help guide asset building action by explaining that the process requires consistent messages across a community but parents are key players. Do recognize that all young people need assets. Asset building is an ongoing process. It starts when a child is born and continues through high school and beyond. Although most teens experience hard times and fare well, particularly the ones with the most assets or resources, some get quite depressed.