Social competencies - Young people need skills and competencies that equip them to make positive choices, to build relationships, and to succeed in life. Compeer volunteers foster many of these developmental assets in their young friends. By having a Compeer, our young friends receive support from a nonparent adult, have an adult who models positive, responsible behavior, encourages the young person to do well, and makes constructive use of time through creative activities. See the website for a complete listing of the 40 Developmental Assets. If a project is too big, break it into smaller and easier sections.
Rewards can help motivate a child to move to the next step and complete the project.
Always provide structure and consistency. Work with your friend's family and therapist at achieving goals. Create and maintain a positive environment. Sports can help children harness their energy and learn to focus it when they need to. Rewards and structure are good but laughing is just as important.