--- title: Fostering Connections Promotes Positive Youth Development description: Fostering connections between young people and supportive adults builds resilience and the ability to create a positive future. Learn basic tips and pathways to building developmental relationships. image: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Fostering-Connections-Promotes-Positive-Youth-Development.jpg --- 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) # Blog November 22, 2022 2 Minutes Read By : [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School 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 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # Fostering Connections Promotes Positive Youth Development [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Ffostering-connections-promotes-positive-youth-development%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Ffostering-connections-promotes-positive-youth-development%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Ffostering-connections-promotes-positive-youth-development%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2Ffostering-connections-promotes-positive-youth-development%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) ![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Fostering-Connections-Promotes-Positive-Youth-Development.jpg) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) # Fostering Connections Promotes Positive Youth Development By [Search Institute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) November 21 2022 2 Minutes Read Nurturing relationships are at the heart of what youth need to learn, grow, and thrive. Fostering connections between supportive adults and young people builds resilience and the ability for them to envision and create a positive future, even in cases of poverty, discrimination, COVID-19 isolation, substance abuse, neglect, or other hardships. [Developmental relationships](https://info.searchinstitute.org/developmental-relationships-help-young-people-thrive) are the strong roots of thriving and resilience for young people, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through these relationships, youth discover who they are, cultivate abilities to shape their own lives, and learn how to engage with and contribute to the world around them. At the heart of it, young people require only a few basic things to thrive. They need to: - Know that they matter - Be challenged to learn and grow - Have help to complete tasks and achieve goals - Engage in an environment of respect, inclusion, and collaboration - Be connected to people and places that broaden their world ## Building a Pathway to Developmental Relationships Young people thrive when they experience developmental relationships in all areas of their lives — in their families, schools, programs, and communities. Growing evidence suggests that strategically and systematically investing in building developmental relationships can be catalytic for effective education, programs, and services for children, youth, and families.  Fostering deep connections with teachers and after-school program leaders are key ways to build these vital relationships outside the home. But how do teachers and other educators begin? - Get to know each other. Listen, be warm, and share interests. Pay attention. - Build mutual trust. Be dependable and bond through appropriate self-disclosure. - Confirm shared commitments. Encourage, challenge, set boundaries. - Invest in each other’s growth. Put energy into reaching goals and adapt the relationship to match growth. Most educators recognize the importance of student-teacher relationships. However, it can be challenging to focus on building relationships when accountability is elsewhere and when you teach dozens, if not hundreds, of students each term. Teachers can invest more fully in fostering connection with students when their school or organization prioritizes it in meaningful ways, such as budgeting resources, offering training, developing expectations, and allocating time for cultivating developmental relationships. Putting relationships first makes a difference. ## Tips for Fostering Connection All young people, all teachers, and for that matter, all adults, are unique, and there are as many ways of fostering connection between them as there are individuals. Whatever time and resources may be available, teachers, parents, and caregivers may take the opportunity to foster connection in myriad ways. Here are few successful examples: - Follow up with young people when you learn that they are going through something, rather than waiting for them to bring it up again.  - Make time for lightness. Share in some humor, fun, and laughter amid practical tasks. - Highlight future goals. Talk with young people about the things they look forward to or dream about.  - Expand their thinking by asking hard questions, providing alternate explanations, and encouraging openness to different opinions. This helps them expand their own thinking.  - Offer information and practical help to solve a specific problem, or loan them something they may need. Show young people how to ask for help when they need it.  - Shift levels of support. Give more support when young people are struggling, and less when they are making progress. Step back as their skills and confidence build. - Introduce young people to a wide range of people, places, ideas, cultures, and vocations. Start with ones they’re curious about. - Strive to understand and show sensitivity to students’ feelings. Use varied teaching strategies to make learning enjoyable, and to help students connect with you and each other. - Emphasize mastery and self-improvement more than doing better than others. Challenge students to reach high expectations. Hold them accountable. Fostering connection doesn’t need to be hard; in fact, it can be fun, because it’s about storytelling and listening. By sharing stories about yourself and encouraging your students to be open about themselves, you're helping young people to build resilience and create a positive future. The key is to do these things intentionally and regularly. There are lots of [great resources](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) out there to help you. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6693290/007dc5d9-7332-4e2d-b620-7665eec4a5de.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6693290/007dc5d9-7332-4e2d-b620-7665eec4a5de) [Developmental Relationships, ](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) #### Search Institute Author ## Recommended For You [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Promoting-Positive-Youth-Development-Through-Sports.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/the-real-champions-promoting-positive-youth-development-through-sports) [Sports](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/sports) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) 4 Min Read ### [The Real Champions: Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sports](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/the-real-champions-promoting-positive-youth-development-through-sports) [Search Institute August 14 2024](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) 2 Min Read ### [10 Ideas for Building Meaningful Mentoring Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/10-ideas-building-meaningful-mentoring-relationships) [searchinstitute January 19 2016](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) 1 Min Read ### [Create a Common Language](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/create-common-language) [searchinstitute March 07 2016](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) ![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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