Talk With Your Kids Often

You may have heard us say that young people need caring adults to be positive influences in their lives; science and research support this idea. The Search Institute, a leader and partner for organizations around the world in discovering what kids need to succeed says, “Regardless of age, children need parents. Indeed, across multiple studies, it appears that the quality of the parent-child relationship is one of the more important factors in determining what kind of behaviors and attitudes adolescents adopt across domains such as health, education, reproductive behaviors, social interactions, and problem behaviors.”

It is important to appreciate that adolescence is its own distinct time between childhood and adulthood, and that it’s important to honor this developmental stage. Young people often hear confusing messages like “Grow up!” or on the other end, “You’re still just a kid!” when what they really need are caring and supportive role models who share their expectations and focus on the positive things our young people are doing.

A billboard depicting local youth engaged in conversation with Katrina Mattson of Tapestry. This is one of three billboards in Pittsfield, which are a part of Berkshire United Way’s, “Talk With Your Kids Often,” campaign.

I hope by now some of you have seen the billboards throughout Pittsfield, which are part of our “Talk With Your Kids Often” campaign.  For tips and resources on how to keep the lines of communication open through the adolescent years, please visit our website.  

For information about local workshops and support groups please contact me via email - ktoomey@berkshireunitedway.org or give me a call at 442-6948 x15.

Kat Toomey

Coordinator of Positive Youth Development