--- title: Search Institute Blog | Kara Hirano, Ph.D. description: Discover research-based insights, tools, and strategies to empower youth and strengthen communities on the Search Institute blog. Explore expert articles on developmental relationships, asset-building, and more. --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Search Institute Blog [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Social Emotional Learning (SEL)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-emotional-learning-sel) [Provide Support](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/provide-support) [Youth Programs](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-programs) [Family Engagement](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/family-engagement) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity) [Education / School](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/education-school) [Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [SI Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/si-spotlight) [Share Power](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/share-power) [Social Capital](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/social-capital) [Solutions](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/solutions) [Expand Possibilities](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/expand-possibilities) [Student Voice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/student-voice) [Challenge Growth](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/challenge-growth) [Summer Scholars](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/summer-scholars) [Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/thriving) [Youth Voice](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-voice) [Express Care](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/express-care) [Sparks](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/sparks) [Data Insights](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/data-insights) [Faith](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/faith) [Field Partner Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/field-partner-spotlight) [LGBTQ+](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/lgbtq) [Workshops](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/workshops) [Relationship Ready Schools](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/relationship-ready-schools) [Conversation Starters](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/conversation-starters) [Sports](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/sports) [504 Plan](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/504-plan) [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Individualized Education Plan](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/individualized-education-plan) [Learning Differences](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/learning-differences) [Special Education](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/special-education) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Provide Support Youth Programs Family Engagement Youth Thriving Diversity Education / School Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Share Power Social Capital Solutions Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports 504 Plan Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Individualized Education Plan Learning Differences Special Education [![adolescent school students smiling and talking with a teacher](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/parent-teacher-conference-blog.png)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/making-parent-teacher-conferences-count-building-strong-family-relationships) [Family Engagement](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/family-engagement) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Education / School](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/education-school) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) 4 MIN READ October 08 2026 [Family Engagement](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/family-engagement) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Education / School](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/education-school) [Youth Thriving](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/youth-thriving) 4 Min Read ### [Making Parent-Teacher Conferences Count: Building Strong Relationships with Families](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/making-parent-teacher-conferences-count-building-strong-family-relationships) Parent-teacher conferences are far more ... [Read More](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/making-parent-teacher-conferences-count-building-strong-family-relationships) [Kara Hirano, Ph.D. October 08 2026](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/kara-hirano-ph-d) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. 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