Have You Taken on a Teenager Today? One on One Mentoring Can Save Lives

It's a tough world out there. Even tougher for a teenager. This age group of 13-17 year olds is just stepping out into the world on their own for the first time.

Image Source

Often, they have grown up in a family situation that is challenging. Divorce is epidemic and teenagers are some of it's first victims.

"Stressors associated with poverty – for example, unstable housing, employment, and family composition; stressful life events and daily hassles; and increased exposure to crime and violence – place children at increased risk for behavioral, emotional, and academic struggles" (Borofsky, Kellerman, Baucom, Oliver, & Margolin, 2013)

Newfound adolescent independence often comes with immature choices and then very adult consequences. Many times, teenagers are plagued with fears, self doubt, and low self esteem. Not to mention, with hormones and hyperactivity, teenagers are often tricky to maneuver. Yet, maneuver we must. The teen years are critical in the development of a child and we are obligated to provide support. We truly need to take steps to provide teenagers with opportunities for one on one mentoring with strong role models.

"Youth mentoring is broadly defined as an individualized, supportive relationship between a young person and a non-parental adult that promotes positive development" (DuBois & Karcher, 2005)

As a person who has spent nearly three decades teaching teenagers, I know this is a difficult period in their lives. More often than not, they are in need of counseling. This can be accomplished by setting up one on one mentoring with an adult. At our school, we will often connect a student to a teacher that interacts successfully with them. The teacher will check in about grades, perhaps visit during lunch to spend some one on one time, or set up a guidance meeting weekly to review the week's successes and difficulties. By having an alliance with an adult in the school, the student often feels wanted and more successful, raising their self esteem, resulting in the desired positive behaviors.

Gif Source

In other words, sometimes all the teen needs is a little positive attention. The end result is a teen who no longer depends on negative behaviors for attention. This is a win win for everyone!

Do you volunteer as a one on one mentor in your community? Many opportunities are available if you check with your local schools and churches. Or, do you know a teen who would benefit from this type of counseling? I suggest parents reach out to school guidance counselors and request one on one mentoring for their child if they see a need in their teen. These years are crucial. It takes a village to raise a child and one on one mentoring is a positive aspect of that village.

Follow @gatorlynne for more My Five Minute Life.
Blessings.