Ideas for sharing power with youth.

According to research by The Search Institute, adults sharing power with youth has numerous positive benefits, but it’s one of the most challenging areas for adults. We so often want to step in and help, when what we really need to do is step back and listen. Sharing power involves not just listening but also collaborating and finding opportunities for young people to lead.

Instead of suggesting a place to go with the young person in your life, ask them what they want to do. Request that they figure out how to get there, the cost and the schedule. Taking ownership translates to greater investment. It also means that if things don’t go as planned, they need to become problem-solvers. Here is an article on 11 simple ways to share power with young people. Try them out!