We often hear that children are the future – and it’s true. Today’s youth will be the ones to take over one day and it’s reassuring to know that we’ve taught them well. But what happens when kids go down the wrong path, participating in crime, substance abuse and self-destruction? Are we supposed to let them continue down this path with little hope for the future? Of course not.
The problem is that many people don’t know how to step in and make a difference for our youth. But the solution is simple: teen mentorship. Mentors come in all types and include teachers, coaches, public speakers and academic advisers.
While teen mentors tend to work with at-risk youth, they are not limited to this group. Teenagers need as many positive influences in their lives as possible, and mentors provide this strong foundation. Plus, teens are often more open to following the advice of others.
Let’s cover five reasons why teen mentoring is essential to our nation’s youth.
1. Open Doors to New Ways of Thinking
Kids who are at-risk often feel like they have few options. A teen mentor opens the doors to new possibilities and shows kids they can be anything they want to be. Whether it’s volunteer opportunities, sports or better grades, teens receive the support and encouragement they need to succeed.
No wonder why at-risk teens with an active mentor are:
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55% more likely to enroll in college
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78% more likely to volunteer in their communities
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130% more likely to hold leadership positions in outside activities
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52% less likely to skip school
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46% less likely to start using drugs
Teen mentors can’t fix problems at home, but they can give young people a different outlook on life. This new perspective allows teens to view other opportunities in their lives and break the cycle of poverty, drug or alcohol use, domestic violence, etc. that is happening in their families.
2. Recognize Teenage Brain Development
Parents often joke that their newborn should have come with a manual. But this manual is probably more necessary during the teenage years. Teenagers are hard to parent because they’re fighting for their independence and identity but having trouble managing their emotions.
While a parent or relative might claim their child is too emotional or has the tendency to overreact, mentors know that the brain is still developing. The prefrontal cortex (an area that controls reasoning and regulates emotion) is not fully developed until the age of 25.
Until the prefrontal cortex is done growing, teens are more likely to engage in risky behavior, misread social cues, act impulsively and be reactive. By understanding brain development and offering empathy, teens are more likely to feel heard and understood, resulting in better behavior.
3. Facilitate Meaningful Conversations
Some parents find that their once-chatty child stops opening up to them. This is normal, but it can still be concerning. While pulling away is natural, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open, especially for kids who are at-risk or struggle with mental illness. Thankfully, a mentor can help bridge this gap.
Teen mentoring services facilitate meaningful conversations that boost cognitive and communication skills. This healthy relationship can do wonders for a child’s self-esteem – and it allows parents to feel at ease knowing their child has a trusted adult they can talk to. Some of the strategies teen mentors use are:
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Listen to what’s going on
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Validate the child’s feelings
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Show trust and empathy
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Offer praise
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Provide thoughtful explanations on rules and boundaries
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Observe abnormal behavior
4. Keep Kids on the Right Track
Teens often feel conflicted about growing up. On one hand, they can be more independent. On the other hand, they’re responsible for balancing work and school. They must also make big decisions about high school, college and work.
Each person’s circumstances are different, and a mentor can’t necessarily change them. For example, some kids are able to go to college while others need to start working and helping out with the bills. A mentor recognizes these differences and helps young people choose a good path.
For instance, mentors can suggest certain schools, help with homework and ensure an on-time graduation. They can work with teens to find job fairs and apply for positions after high school. In short, these advisers do an excellent job of removing barriers that might otherwise stand in the way of success.
5. Strengthen Relationships at Home
There’s a misconception that mentors are only for at-risk youth or ineffective parents. But this isn’t the case at all. Mentors are not meant to replace parents or relatives. They’re meant to provide teens with a positive influence they can turn to to avoid negative behaviors and achieve success.
Parents and guardians often report that their relationship with their child improves when working with a mentor. Their child can have an outlet to talk without judgement while the parents have the peace of mind that their child is safe. If the mentor observes anything out of the ordinary, such as sudden withdrawal from friends, they’ll let the parents know and work with them to get the teen help.
When parents know that their child is safe, they’re more likely to give their teen space and honor their wishes for more privacy and independence. All in all, teen mentors are a great asset to many families and actually end up strengthening the family unit.
Find Teen Mentoring Services Today
It’s not always easy to find qualified mentors, but you don’t have to look any further than Bridge the Gap. We offer therapeutic mentoring services that include weekly meetings and daily check-ins. Our mentors focus on a variety of topics such as self-care skills, academic skills and personal skills. To learn more about our teen mentoring services, contact Bridge the Gap today.
