In Temple Grandin, PhD’s in The Loving Push, the author discussed the critical role of mentors in your child’s life. A mentor is an experienced person who provides advice and guidance to a younger or less experienced person. It is critical for your child to have a mentor to encourage their personal and professional growth.
A mentor may be a parent, teacher, neighbor, employer or coach. These individuals provide information about their career path that may guide your child in their own career goals.
The following are three benefits of your child having a mentor:
1. Consistent Role Model
Role models are responsible adults that your child can trust to help them navigate their victories and
struggles. Children may often feel overwhelmed, especially during their teenage years. It is critical for them to have a trusting relationship with a responsible adult that consistently shows up in their lives.
2. Providing Unique Support
Children are often afraid to make mistakes because they don’t want to be criticized. A mentor creates a space for your child to explore while feeling supported and accepted. Mentors understand that their mentees will not make the same choices as they did and will support their unique choices.
It is critical for children to feel comfortable making a mistake because it builds trust and confidence that they can seek guidance without worrying about being judged. A good mentor will not tell your child what to do but rather encourage them to forge their own path and provide advice on the necessary steps they need to take to get the most out of their journey.
3. Learning From Their Mistakes
A great mentor will be open about their mistakes and share the lessons they have learned while constantly learning and growing beside their mentees. The greatest mentors know that they may still make mistakes alongside their mentee and constantly evolve alongside them. Your child will learn that even the persons they look up to don’t always have the answers and sometimes their advice may not always be right. This will encourage your child to be accepting about their own imperfections and speak up about their shortcomings without shame. Meaningful mentorships encourage honesty, and normalize failure as necessary components of success. Your child will be less critical of their imperfection and focus more on their growth.
A mentor is a role model that provides emotional support and guidance for your child’s personal development. These responsible adults will hold your child accountable and be a source of advice for your child’s unique needs. Mentors are critical for nurturing and instructing children to see the best in themselves by being a consistent role model, offering unique support, and learning from their mistakes. Work with your child to find a mentor that is passionate and committed to your child’s well being.