Before you start, have a short conversation with your child. Explain what you're doing and why, in terms that matter to them. Here's a script you can adapt:

“I want to share something with you. It's called CREATE with HARRY, and it helps us think about the activities you do that actually make you feel stronger and happier. We're not trying to add a bunch of stuff to your day. We just want to make sure you have things in your life that help you feel good and handle hard stuff better.”

Boys Town Model Note — Clear Expectations: Children do better when they understand what's being asked of them and why. Don't just hand your child the assessment — frame it as something you're doing together, not something being done to them.

The HARRY-SF is a 14-item checklist. Your child reads each activity and rates how much it sounds like them (Not Like Me / Somewhat Like Me / A Lot Like Me). It takes about 5 minutes.

Tips for this step:

• Do it at a calm time, not after a stressful day or right before bed.
• Read the items together, especially for younger kids.
• Don't coach their answers. There are no wrong responses.
• When they're done, look at the results together with curiosity, not judgment.

While discussing the assessment, explain each activity giving "kid reasons" to share why each one matters to your child:

• “When you stay connected with people you trust, you feel less alone when things get hard.”
• “Moving your body actually changes how your brain feels, even a short walk can shift a bad mood.”
• “When you have ways to calm down and reset, you make better decisions.”
• “Doing things you're good at or enjoy reminds your brain that you have strengths, even on hard days.”

Look at the assessment together and ask: "Are there any areas where you didn't circle many 'A Lot Like Me' items? What's one activity in that area we could try?"

Together, choose 1–2 activities from each CREATE category that your child would actually enjoy. Or, using the examples provided, make up your own activities that would fit within each category. Write them down on your CREATE Plan — a simple, personalized list of activities your child can go to when they need to recharge, cope, or just feel good.

The goal isn't a rigid schedule. It's a menu of options your child already knows work for them.

Pick one or two activities from the plan and try them this week. The HARRY research shows that consistent, everyday engagement with these activities is what builds resilience over time, not a one-time event.

Make it easy:

• Build an activity into something you already do. (Cook together on Sunday. Take a walk after dinner. Read before bed.)
• Let your child lead the activity choice.
• Do it with them when you can, connection + activity = double the benefit.

When you see your child engaging in a CREATE activity, even informally, name it and praise it. Specific praise is far more powerful than general encouragement.

Examples:

• “I noticed you spent time talking with your friend today, that's exactly the kind of connecting that helps you feel strong.”
• “You chose to go for a bike ride instead of scrolling your phone. That's you taking care of your mental health. I'm proud of you.”
• “The way you worked through that problem instead of giving up, that's the Think part of your CREATE plan. You're getting good at that.”

Boys Town Model Note — Effective Praise: Praise should be immediate, specific, and name the behavior. Avoid generic "good job." Connect the praise to the specific CREATE skill they used and the outcome it produces for them.

Life changes. A new school year, a friendship change, a family transition, these shifts often knock one or more CREATE categories off balance. Plan to revisit the assessment and CREATE plan every few months, or whenever you notice your child struggling.

Framing for your child: "Let's check in on your HARRY plan. Life has changed a bit since we made it, let's see what's still working and what might need an update."

Boys Town Model Note — Balance Across Development: The CREATE framework is especially important during transitions. Children who have a refreshed, personalized plan going into a new season are better equipped to use it when stress arrives.