Book review: “Sparks: How Parents Can Help Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers” by Petter Benson, Ph.D.
Print
EmailRecognize the power of sparks and how you can help them grow.
Peter Benson authored the book “Sparks: How Parents Can Help Ignite the Hidden Strengths of Teenagers,” which was published in 2008. Peter Benson was a psychologist with the Search Institute and leading authority on children and teenagers and the processes that help them flourish. Although this book was written with the intended audience of parents, the research and ideas shared here can be used by anyone working with young people, especially those in the youth development field.
Research used in the Sparks book specifically looks at studies done with teenagers, but this information could be used with all young people. This practical book shares a simple yet powerful plan for awakening the sparks of young people and empowers readers to look for or become spark champions for the youth around them.
The premise is this: every young person has a spark - something inside that is good, beautiful and useful to the world. According to Benson, it is our job as parents or those working with young people to help identify and nurture that spark. These sparks can give a person a sense of purpose and direction in their lives. Research has shown that spark champions are important to help make that spark shine brightly. The more spark champion a young person has, the brighter their spark will be.
There are seven key lessons outlined in the book. These key lessons lay the plan for anyone working with young people to identify sparks and spark champions.
- Kids understand the idea of sparks and want them.
- A majority of young people have a spark and can describe it.
- Expand your view of what sparks can be.
- Parents should be spark team champions.
- Sparks need other spark champions in addition to parents.
- Great things happen when kids pursue their sparks.
- Most teens don’t have enough spark champions in their lives.
Toward the end of the book, Benson shares an eighth lesson which is generosity. Many may think that focusing on one’s own passion will lead them down a path of self-centeredness. However, research has shown that those youth with an identified spark are more likely to be civically-minded and give back to their communities in some way through volunteering.
Don’t let the words parents and teenagers in the title scare you away or make you think this doesn’t apply. The research used in this book and the theories shared can be used to help all young people find their spark and purpose. As parents, youth development professionals, or anyone interacting with youth, it is our task to take the knowledge that Benson has given us and use it to encourage young people to be the best that they can be. Whether that is at home, in 4-H programs, or in some other setting, we can make a difference in young people’s lives and Benson has given us some tools to do so.
According to Benson, a spark is not an end point. It’s a process. Just as the 4-H Thriving Model suggests, one must first nurture the soil so the plant will grow and then one needs to continue that nurturing throughout time to find a successful, thriving person.
Learn more about the 4-H Thriving Model at the 4-H PLWG Standing Committee on Youth Development website. For more information about joining 4-H visit the Michigan State University Extension 4-H website.
