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The Search Institute in Minneapolis has devoted research to explore the essential developmental assets that kids need to become good citizens.

One developmental asset that significantly affects the social, emotional and character growth of youngsters is the non-parent role model. Take a minute for reflection. Surely you will quickly remember a teacher, coach or neighbor who played a role in your youth. My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Best, is one who is at the top of my list as a non-parenting role model.

Today's kids continue to seek guidance of significant non-parent adults who can play an important role in the formation of values for life success. As our community continues to offer coaches, teachers, and other community mentors to serve as role models, we increasingly see, for better or for worse, kids turning to America's sports stars to fill that role.

Positively For Kids is a publishing house in Washington that is doing an extraordinary job in communicating the positive contribution that sports personalities can play as non-parenting role models. Founded by Greg Brown, who started his 15-year sports writing career in 1979, Positively for Kids has published more than 20 books with sports stars, providing messages of encouragement to youngsters.

Positively for Kids involves superstar athletes to tell values-based life stories such as Troy Aikman's "Things Change"; Cal Ripken's "Count Me In"; Scottie Pippen's "Reach Higher"; Alex Rodriguez's "Hit A Grand Slam" and Kristi Yamaguchi's, "Always Dream," just to name a few.

The values that these role model athletes share in their autobiographical 40-page books cover character themes such as courage, responsibility, honesty, respect, generosity, perseverance, and service.

I know that today's budding Kids of Character can benefit from the positive non-parenting role model resources of key star athletes who share their stories of personal growth in the pages of the Positively for Kids books.

As a parent, grandparent or teacher, you may want to find out how the Positively for Kids publishing house can be a resource to the kids of character in your life. Positively for Kids has more information.