Positive youth development is the practice of nurturing core internal strengths and abilities in children and teens. It is about providing opportunities for youth to believe in themselves and their abilities to influence their lives and the world around them. 

As families, schools, and communities, we share one goal.  We want children to thrive. We wish for happy, healthy, and successful children who flourish as adults.  A straightforward goal; yet every parent and teacher understands its challenges.

The Field of Positive Youth Development

As an academic field of study, positive youth development has been emerging over the last two decades. Reed Larson, a professor at the University of Illinois, wrote one of the pioneering articles in 2000 where he claimed that “psychology has neglected the positive….Development, after all,” Larson said, “is a process of growth and increasing competence.”

As a developmental psychologist, my work and research recognizes the natural and manifest potential of youth. While parents and schools are often quick to blame each other when children fail to thrive, it is time for a change in perspective. Why?  Because the decisions about parenting, educating, and mentoring children depends a great deal on how we think about positive youth development, how we define success, and what questions we ask of ourselves.