Mentoring adolescents
Abstract
Chapter One of The Two of Us: A Handbook for Mentors, describes some of the characteristics of adolescence and the trials associated with this stage of life. By recognizing some of the challenges, mentors can help their adolescent mentees by establishing limits and structure, reinforcing the mentees' strengths, helping the mentee see alternative points of view, and seeking opportunities for the mentees to behave independently and responsibly.
Issue
Early and middle adolescence, described as being the ages between 9-14 and 15-17 respectively, are characterized by major physical, emotional, intellectual, and social changes. Peer groups and social context become increasingly important, but at the same time, adolescents are struggling for autonomy and independence. Adolescents go through periods of moodiness and self-reflection, and struggle with self-identity.
Action
Mentors can become more effective in mentoring adolescents by recognizing the factors and changes this age group is experiencing, and by considering the following:
- Set limits and provide structure to prevent adolescents from harming themselves, to ensure that adolescents experience some success and to let them know that you care about them.
- Help mentees focus on their strengths and put them in situations where they have opportunities to utilize those strengths.
- Help mentees develop the ability to see from another point of view.
- Seek opportunities for the mentees to make meaningful contributions to their families, schools and communities; to explore their ability to act independently; to act responsibly and make decisions; and to find creative solutions to their own problems.
Citation
Smith, Marilyn W. 1997. The Two of Us: A Handbook for Mentors. Baltimore, Maryland: The Abell Foundation, pp. 12-13.
Posted On
July 11, 2000For More Information
Resources
From The Resource Center library:
The Two of Us: A Handbook for Mentors
Item number: R1665
Related Practices
Related sites
National Mentoring Partnership
