Youth learn as they share their values

By Kim Asche, University of Minnesota Extension

Everyday we must solve problems, decide between options, and choose between better and worse. To do these things effectively requires that we have a well-developed philosophy of life or set of values. Why talk about values? Values help provide direction and meaning to life. Youth should be allowed to share their values.

Values represent what we really care about. They help determine what our lifestyle will be. When we have to solve problems or make a decision we use our philosophy of life or our set of values to determine what we are going to do. Values differ from person to person and from culture to culture. One way we can strengthen our self-esteem is to know what it is that we value so we can recognize our individuality. We can help youth build their self-esteem by helping them recognize what they value.

Next time you are with youth, ask them to share five things they care about. These are probably some of the most important things that they value. Values are framing their world. You can use your personal values as an example for youth to share their values. Our experiences, ideas and beliefs all shape our view of our world. Someone who values adventure would most likely have a very different set of values from one that likes security.

Take this another step and have youth share values with you by jotting down on paper:
• two things you value in your life today.
• something you used to value that is not important now.
• two things that you think you will value in the future.
• something that you value that makes you different from other friends.

Talk with youth about the experiences that are happening in their lives. It is important to remember that what one person values is not “right” or “wrong” just different. Each family has a set of values that members sort out and clarify in things they like, cherish and believe. Youth grow as they express their opinions about the events and experiences they encounter. By being there to listen to youth express opinions and discussing their values and opinions, you are a part of helping youth form their own set of values.

(Kim Asche is a 4-H youth development educator with University of Minnesota Regional Office in Hutchinson.)