Youth mentoring is one of those things that, if you haven’t done it before, can seem elusive. What do you actually do? Is it a form of therapy? I know it’s not a teacher… Is it kinda like life coaching? Who is for? What are you qualified in exactly?
It’s an ancient thing that humans have always done, AND, it’s a weird new thing that’s essentially holding space for young people in a non-clinical, preventative way. It’s often done in groups because the research tells us (and the young people themselves!) that exploring who we are and who we want to be is often best done alongside others, where they can bounce off each other, cheer each other on, learn essential life skills together and feel less alone.
One thing’s for sure, it’s supportive. Whether it’s a weekly check-in, debrief and a third space where you feel accepted, outside of regular family, friends, school, sport, etc. Or whether it’s more structured and about learning skills, developing great habits and trying new things.
Anyhoo, today I thought I’d share a few things I’ve said over the past week in my mentoring sessions to give you a tiny glimpse:
- What’s been on your mind this week? (this one is FUN in a group, especially while doing art or something together…some interesting things pop up).
- Do you want to talk it through, or are you happy to vent and let it go?
- What a great idea!!
- What have been some ‘wins’ this week?
- That sounds so fun!
- Thanks for sharing that with me.
- Ooo tell me more about that. What even is that? Remind me, what does it mean? (the ‘that’ was the word ‘catalyst’…it was a theme in their writing competition)
- Fun follow up: What has been a catalyst, or turning point, in your own life that brought you to the current version of you? (mannn I wish I could share the response with you – pure gold!) Ask this question of your teens and see what they say!
- It sounds like you’re doing everything you can.
- What’s one thing you can do next week to take care of yourself?
If you’re a parent, you’ll likely get how valuable another supportive adult can be in your children’s life. Even if it’s annoying to mutter the words, “umm that’s exactly what I said!” ?? We hear that a lot from parents of teens in our Online Academy. Sorry not sorry haha.
If you’re a teacher, SSO, tutor or someone else in education, you’re likely having micro mentoring moments every day. We help educators through our evidence-based school curriculum here.
If you’re an aspiring youth mentor who has some ideas about a workshop you could host or some kind of group mentoring where you can bring some teens or tweens from your local community together, but don’t know where to start (or you do know where to start but haven’t yet!) then you might like to join me for Create Your Teen Workshop in a Weekend on 20 and 21st June here.
And if it’s the future, and you’ve missed that workshop, no worries. You’ll find a bunch of resources for aspiring youth mentors here.
Are you surprised by what I’ve shared above? Do you already work with young people? I’d love to hear! Send us an email, or reach out on socials (links below) to connect.
OTHER FUN RESOURCES:
- Take the free quiz — Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Youth Mentor?
- Listen to The Youth Mentor Podcast
- Or when you’re ready to go further — come and join us in the Youth Mentor Training
Keep shining, Amanda
