|
|
Believe it or not, adults like you have an
amazing ability: you can reach high-risk teens. Yes, even teens struggling
in school, or with parents who have severe problems of their own.
Such is the power of a caring adult in a teen's life. In fact, research
has shown that teens who meet weekly for year with a Big
Brother or Big Sister:
- Reduced first-time drug use by almost half;
- Cut first-time alcohol use by a third;
- Cut school absenteeism by half;
- Improved family and peer relationships; and
- Increased confidence in their schoolwork
Adults Who Mentor Say … A nationwide survey of 1,500 adults who mentored youth other than
their own children said:
- They mentor they believe the young person needs help
and they can make a difference.
- They helped with or prevented problems for a young
person.
- They found their experience very satisfying.
- They learned or gained something personally from
their experience.
- They would mentor again or recommend a friend.
About Mentoring…
- A key goal of mentoring is to provide a caring and
supportive adult for youth at risk.
- Mentoring relationships offer youth the chance to
overcome hurdles, cope with problems, and learn basic skills
necessary for a productive, healthy adulthood.
- Mentoring makes a difference. The challenge lies
in expanding programs to reach a greater portion of youth at
risk and to recruit new mentors.
But What Do I Do with the Youth?
Almost anything. The important thing is to spend time with your
teen on a regular basis. Engaging in a wide range of activities
and offering guidance to the young person (when it's asked for)
is what will make you successful. Activities can include:
- Playing a sport together, walking, or hiking
- Talking about the youth's personal issues
- Eating a meal together
- Hanging out or running errands
- Outings to the library, museum, concert, play, movies
or sporting events
- Working on homework
- Discussing and researching college or career opportunities
- Job shadowing or internship opportunities
- Learning social skills or manners
- Learning job related skills
- Being introduced to other people who could help them
with educational or career goals
- Exposing youth to cultural, social, and entertainment
opportunities they would not otherwise have
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
