5 Key Supports

Teacher Talk, a publication from the Center for Adolescent Studies at Indiana University, notes that adolescents need a balance of five key supports, including:

1. Belonging: a feeling of love, trust, and attachment to others or institutions
2. Mastery: the potential to achieve in a variety of ways
3. Independence: learning the difference between being a strong leader and an aggressor
4. Generosity: using opportunities to help others
5. Stimulation: a variety of interesting, fun, and engaging activities

An excerpt from Mid Kids article, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Portland, Oregon