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Let’s Talk Month gives parents & adults the opportunity to build assets

On Point encourages life skills and youth development through conversations

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 6, 2010) – October kicks off Let’s Talk Month, a national campaign to encourage parents, and adults to talk with their teens about life, values and relationships.  Positive family communication, family support, and adult role models are three of 40 Developmental Assets that research has shown to decrease risky behaviors among teens.

“Let’s Talk Month is a great reminder that as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and supportive adults, we play an important role in the life of teens,” said Lesley Scearce, Executive Director for On Point. “We have the ability to build assets into their lives, which will prepare them to be healthy adults.  ”

The 40 Developmental Assets have been identified by the Search Institute.  From more than 50 years of research, the Search Institute was able to identify characteristics commonly possessed by successful teens.  Research shows that the more assets a teen possesses, the less likely they are to engage in risky behaviors such as sexual activity, violence, and drug and alcohol use. 

The practice of carving out time to just talk with your son or daughter is an asset builder by itself, but frequent conversations can also have a positive ripple effect.  Other important assets include feeling valued by adults, the ability to make decisions and possessing a positive identity.  These characteristics can be greatly influenced through conversation. 

To help open the lines of communication between parents and teens, On point posts easy asset building ideas and conversation starters to its Facebook and Twitter page.   On Point also created Let’s Talk Boxes, which include 50 question cards that can be used as ice breakers.   Let’s Talk Boxes are a fun, no pressure way to get conversation started.  For more information about Let’s Talk Month, visit liveonpoint.org.

 About On Point:

On Point is a youth development program that enables teenagers, with their families and community, to make healthy choices that eliminate high-risk behaviors.  On Point teaches and mentors 15,000 local teenagers each year. For almost 20 years On Point has partnered with schools and civic organizations to provide its program to private and public middle and high schools free-of-charge. Additionally, On Point produces curriculum and trains other organizations to implement programs in their communities.  The On Point program is currently used in 40 states and four foreign countries. For more information visit www.liveonpoint.org

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