The keys to constructive use of young people's time

Care Corner By Brandee Tyree

Whitefish CARE is dedicated to helping support and create healthy activities for youth and the community to participate in. This dedication takes a lot of hard work and commitment from everyone involved and is a continual process. CARE believes that everyone can help young people find healthy activities.

If you talk with young people about using their time constructively, you'll probably hear one of two common refrains.

One is, "So much to do, so little time." That sigh is most likely to come from a young person with lots of opportunities - like teams, clubs, youth centers, and music lessons - to choose from.

The other is, "Oh, there's nothing to do!" That groan is most likely to come from a young person who hasn't yet discovered, or for some reason can't access, the activities he or she would really enjoy.

The key is to help young people strike a balance between unstructured activities and structured ones. Young people's activity options may range from being at home (alone of with family or friends, studying, doing chores, or relaxing) to participating in school-sponsored activities (such as teams or clubs), hanging out in public places or at friends' homes, or attending youth groups or centers, music lessons, or religious services. In Whitefish, the majority of the young people also enjoy the various outdoor activities that nature provides.

At their best, activities for young people involve learning, developing new skills, using their creativity, being with other caring youth and adults, and interacting with their families and friends in positive ways.

Here are some keys to constructive use of time:

Balance is essential. Too much involvement can lead to stress, anxiety, and too little personal time. Too little involvement can be a sign of depression, isolation, or some other unhealthy situation.

Young people need opportunities to play and be creative. Studies show that time spent in play and games decline by more than half as children mature into adolescence. Involvement in music, arts, and "sports" can encourage youth to tap into their playful, spontaneous energy.

Different young people need different things: For an extroverted member of the debate team, quiet time in nature might seem intimidating or scary at first. For a shy person not involved in any clubs or activities, a one-on-one apprenticeship in glass blowing or car repair might be just the ticket to a new interest.

Adolescents want and need to "try on" different ways of being: A young person who struggles and feels out of place in school may excel and be a leader in a less traditional setting, thus building a sense of competence and confidence not experienced anywhere else.

This article article was written by Search Institute. The Search Institute, the entity that developed the 40 Developmental Assets, also believes that everyone can help young people steer toward healthy choices. For more information on the 40 Developmental Assets please contact the Whitefish CARE office at 862-8600 x. 448 or go to: www.search-institute.org.

CARE would like to add that we feel fortunate to support a community of young people that for the most part make great choices and lead healthy lifestyles. You can help young people find activities that make good use of their time.

Whitefish CARE encourages everyone to do their part to provide opportunities for young people to express themselves and for them to participate in healthy activities. Whitefish is a wonderful community and CARE appreciates the support given to our kids. Please contact the CARE office if you have any questions or ideas to continue to support our young people.