Some teenagers have few positive role models in their lives. Boys whose dads have left home, girls whose parents don’t seem to communicate, oldest children and youngest children – all can find themselves feeling that they are neither cared about or listened to.
Often teenagers need someone else that they can talk to, someone they can trust, someone who can help them make good decisions for themselves. As a mentor it is key that you can provide support, guidance, and a caring role model.

Youths often need all the help they can get to negotiate through their turbulent teen years. A primary goal of any mentoring program is to provide youth with the knowledge and strength to avoid the teenage traps that lurk around every corner … such as alcohol, drugs, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and so called friends who will only lead to trouble.

By focusing on teaching teens how to have positive relationships, fostering a caring environment to help build self esteem, and exposing teens to different opportunities for hobbies, sporting activities, careers and education, they can develop the self esteem and self discipline to be able to make positive decisions, while also being able to say no when necessary.

As a mentor you must take the opportunity to talk with teens about such things as drugs and alcohol, sex, healthy eating habits, etc … but at the same time however you must try to never appear self righteous or that you are lecturing them. Discussions must take place at the right moment, which only you as a mentor can judge. Often it can be done at the same time as you are working with them in other areas, such as helping them to set and achieve goals, assisting with homework or helping them form positive relationships.

A major challenge for any mentoring program is balancing the role you play – being a successful mentor requires you to establish a relationship based on trust and respect. But while they need to feel both comfortable and safe in confiding in you, you must not compromise your position by trying to become a  good’ friend, where you end up condoning negative behaviour.
By providing a positive role model, never seeking recognition or thanks for the time you give up, and by being available when they need you – you can play a major part in their lives in a most rewarding way. The reward may not be obvious immediately, but longer term, they will thank you.