As a parent, we only want the best for our children; the opportunity to grow up and discover a life that is fulfilling, a life that is meaningful, and hopefully a life that gives back.  Dr. Benson’s work lays a tremendous foundation for us to open that dialogue with our children/students around the discovery of their spark.  Once the spark is discovered, one’s passion can be fulfilled.

Dr. Bruce Locklear
Principal, Edina High School

It is important for us to help our children identify and develop their spark or passion in life.  Peter Benson's work gives us practical suggestions about how we can help children on this journey.

Dr. Peter Hodne
Principal, Highlands Elementary School

As coordinator of the Edina Family Center and a parent of three, I am excited to hear more about Sparks: How Parents Can Help Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers.  I remind myself and others that childhood is cyclical – sometimes our three year olds and our thirteen year olds have similar behavior packaged in different sized bodies.  The PCN Forum holds promise for every adult who wants to have a positive impact on our community. 

Laurie Denn, MA
Coordinator, Edina Family Center

 
The 40 Developmental assets, as identified by the Search Institute, are the foundation of Connecting With Kids’ mission to connect individuals, families, organizations and other resources in Edina to help them fulfill their responsibility to raise healthy children and develop a healthy community.  The assets allow me to better communicate with the community about the importance of the entire city supporting our youth so that they can grow up to be responsible, healthy and caring adults.  I refer to the assets daily and use them as the framework around which we build our initiatives and programs.

Heather Haen Anderson
Executive Director, Connecting With Kids

... I do want to encourage you to attend the Feb 8, PCN speaker: Mr. Peter Benson.  He has spoken to the entire Edina staff several years ago and he was tremendous- very encouraging.  He will bring new research along with positive ideas about parenting in these times that are certainly unlike the times when we were growing up.  I remember feeling very hopeful and empowered when hearing him and I am looking forward to his presentation.

From a teacher's newsletter at Valley View Middle School