Children & Youth

16 Children & Youth Nurturing Strategies

Every day may present many opportunities to face challenges, set goals and seek support for your future. Value your own journey of personal growth and development by embracing these 16 Nurturing Strategies no matter your age.

These Strategies can be fostered by parents and older siblings to enhance well-being and secure a loving and safe home environment. Being there for your children and youth is essential to helping them through life.

brother and sister arm in arm

1. Be Loving

Learn to love and accept oneself. Do things that help my parents and siblings feel loved and supported 

father and daughter fixing chair

2. Be Positive

Focus on creating new ways that ensure hard work and the courage to try new things. A positive attitude is key to feeling content and hopeful.  

sisters looking at each other

3. Be Supportive

Create a safe community one can depend on. Share with others how you feel and ask them how they feel.  

mother and daughter talking

4. Be Present

Listen and respond to others respectfully. Live in the moment. 

girl doing dishes

5. Behave

Understand expectations in the family, school, and community. Taking accountability for my actions 

boy reading in bed

6. Be Good to Myself

Take care of myself and take time to slow down, sleep, and eat well. 

teenage girl with skateboard

7. Be Balanced

Explore and own my feelings and ask for help even when unsure.  

native american teen

8. Be Giving

Open oneself to explore how to reach out to others and give back.  

kids playing basketball

9. Be Active

Enjoy nature, take a walk, stretch, do yoga, exercise, dance, or play sports. Take in the beauty that surrounds me.  

mom talking to son and daughter

10. Be the Change

See something, say something. Change begins with me.

girl with hands in fists

11. Be Affirming

Daily tell myself something positive and say it 21 times like “I am a good friend”, “I am loved for who I am.” 

teenager meditating

12. Be Focused

Declutter to make room for new possibilities. Try meditation and mindfulness to ground oneself.  

LGBTQ+ teenagers

13. Be Together

Embrace the differences in myself and others to create community.  

girl doing homework

14. Be a Problem Solver

Be proactive, solution oriented, and seek support 

kids having fun

15. Be Fun

Create new, exciting, and joyful experiences.  

boy dressed as super hero

16. Be Brave

Know that you are strong, courageous, and resilient.