Second through Fifth grade
Many children have limited opportunities to form strong relationships with adults outside their immediate family. Root Tenders is an approach to cultivating relationships between children and adults who can help them develop important character strengths.
“Root Tenders serve as allies in our quest to raise children with values that will serve them well over their whole life…to cultivate deep roots that will enable them to spread their branches far and wide.”
Key Strategies
- Consider: who is already a Root Tender for your child? Who among your relatives and friends already pays special attention to your child? Who has values and perspectives you hope your child will absorb? Make a short list.
- Consider: Who else could be a good Root Tender for your child? Which of your friends embody values that are important to you? What could they teach your child? How could you foster a stronger relationship between this adult and your child?
- Ask a small set of friends to play the Root Tender role. Tell people who are already playing a root tender role that you appreciate how they are enriching your child’s life and that you hope they’ll continue to do so. Invite potential new Root Tenders to participate in the life of your family in ways that will foster their connection to your child.
- Cultivate the connection. Introduce your Root Tenders to your child in a warm and enthusiastic way. Tell your child what makes your friend amazing. Tell your Root Tender friend what you admire about your child. Arrange for them to spend some time together, either as part of a larger gathering or one-on-one.
Additional Resources
Book: Council of Dads, Bruce Feiler
Root Tenders