Did you know you are a mentor?
Parents are their kids first mentors
"The best gift you can give is your time." - Willie Perkins, founder Normnot Academy
Does this sound like you?
Does this sound like you?
Develop a child’s strengths; take part in a child’s interests and development; offer advice; listen; give support and encouragement. Mentors guide kids to reach their full potential and along the way, there will be mistakes, feelings of fear as well as successes and joy. Mentors know that as they invest, so will the likely hood of seeing a return that yields major success for the kids they guide. You are a mentor!
As a parent, it is imperative to keep your mentoring skills sharp as your kids are counting on you to guide them! While there is certainly more info on the subject, we've highlight the following 5 tips for you to consider. Enjoy!
1. Build Trust: Allow opportunity for modeling good behavior
Share stories about situations that resulted in a win or a loss
Benefits from hearing about mistakes and wins
Be honest about your own strengths and weaknesses
2. Respect: Allow for open conversation
Respect your child’s thoughts & opinions without judgement
Difference between “I disagree” & “You’re wrong”
Democracy vs Dictatorship
3. Encourage: Go beyond the norm to inspire
Speak “life” as often as you can
Reinforce encouragement - celebrate achievements
Look for opportunities to give praise
4. Support: Be & Stay Involved
Support your child’s interests & strengths
Be intentional about asking discovery questions
Attend school activities
5. Participate at home: Do things together
Find ways to be included or inclusive
Family Activities -eat dinner together, invite them to help
Give your time
For more information and data on mentoring, consider visiting www.mentoring.org
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