Relationships Matter
Ask yourself the question: what kind of relationship do you think would make the difference in a young person’s life? You may have answered by saying a caring relationship, a trusting relationship, or perhaps a relationship that is open and honest. Building relationships with young people is not complex and is based in science.
New research is looking into a term called developmental relationships. A developmental relationship is a close connection between a young person and an adult or between a young person and a peer that has a powerful and positive impact. When adults build developmental relationships with youth what we find is that youth are more likely to engage in positive behaviours and activities, more likely to develop a growth mindset and are more likely to develop the resources to thrive in life. The Sudbury & District Health Unit has adopted a framework for building developmental relationships. This framework is below and provides adults with practical ways to purposefully connect with youth.
The Developmental Relationships Framework
Express Care
Show that you like me and want the best for me.
- Be Present – Pay attention when you are with me.
- Be Warm – Let me know that you like being with me and express positive feelings toward me.
- Invest – Commit time and energy to doing things for and with me.
- Show Interest – Make it a priority to understand who I am and what I care about.
- Be Dependable – Be someone I can count on and trust.
Challenge Growth
Insist that I try to continuously improve.
- Inspire – Help me see future possibilities for myself.
- Expect – Make it clear that you want me to live up to my potential.
- Stretch – Recognize my thoughts and abilities while also pushing me to strengthen them.
- Limit – Hold me accountable for appropriate boundaries and rules.
Provide Support
Help me complete tasks and achieve goals.
- Encourage – Praise my efforts and achievements.
- Guide – Provide practical assistance and feedback to help me learn.
- Model – Be an example I can learn from and admire.
- Advocate – Stand up for me when I need it.
Share Power
Hear my voice and let me share in making decisions.
- Respect – Take me seriously and treat me fairly.
- Give Voice – Ask for and listen to my opinions and consider them when you make decisions.
- Respond – Understand and adjust to my needs, interests, and abilities.
- Collaborate – Work with me to accomplish goals and solve problems.
Expand Possibilities
Expand my horizons and connect me to opportunities.
- Explore – Expose me to new ideas, experiences, and places.
- Connect – Introduce me to people who can help me grow.
- Navigate – Help me work through barriers that could stop me from achieving my goals.
For additional information, contact the School Health Promotion Team.
This item was last modified on September 21, 2017