Why Teens Benefit from Having Non-Parent Mentors
Being a teenager is tough! In fact, some say it’s harder to be a teen than an adult! Adults have things figured out, but teens are just learning. Their bodies are physically changing, they’re facing more peer pressure and they have to juggle the demands of school, work and extracurricular activities.
Many teens are lucky enough to have supportive parents who help them through the teenage years, but not all do. And even for those with good upbringings, they may rebel and start going down the wrong path.
Fortunately, parents and guardians are not alone when raising kids. Therapeutic mentoring helps teens learn how to set healthy boundaries, recognize their strengths and talents and make healthier lifestyle choices. Below you will find more information on teen mentoring, the types of kids it benefits and where to find a trusted mentor for yourself or a loved one.
What is Teen Mentoring?
Youth mentoring is the process of matching mentors with kids who want or need a responsible, caring adult in their lives. Adult mentors are usually unrelated to the child and work as volunteers through community-, school- or church-based programs.
Both mentors and mentees benefit from mentorship. Teens are more likely to mature into happy, stable and well-functioning adults that contribute to society, while mentors are able to use their talents and make a difference in the world.
Who Benefits from Teen Mentoring Programs?
Really, anyone can benefit from having a mentor in their life. Mentors provide a wide range of help, guidance and support as teens navigate their lives. And, it’s important to know that mentors don’t replace parents but rather support effective parenting. That said, some youth need these services more than others.
At Bridge the Gap in Westlake Village, Calif., we find that the following teens benefit most from having a mentor:
Lacking a stable adult relationship. Teens who don’t have stable adult relationships benefit from mentorship. They can count on an adult for safe, constructive advice and suggestions.
Struggling in school. Kids with academic problems may have a learning disability like ADHD or dyslexia. With the proper guidance, they can get back on track and learn how to be a good student.
Low self-esteem. Many kids struggle to maintain healthy self-esteem. Building a good mentoring relationship can help teens recognize their strengths and accomplishments.
At risk for addiction. Even though addiction doesn't discriminate, some people are more at risk for substance abuse than others. Research shows that kids in mentoring relationships are less likely to abuse substances.
Benefits of Teen Mentoring: What to Expect
The brain continues to grow and mature throughout childhood and adolescence. During this time, the amygdala (the part of the brain responsible for emotional reactions) has formed, but not all parts have.
As an example, the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain that controls reasoning and regulates emotion) is not fully developed. This is part of the reason why teens are more likely to act impulsively and engage in risky behaviors.
Mentoring is an excellent way to target young people with risk factors like poverty, neighborhood violence or low self-esteem. Based on research, teen mentoring offers the following benefits:
Promotes positive social skills
Helps young people manage life challenges
Strengthens self-regulation
Fosters good self-esteem
Opens new opportunities and ways of thinking
Creates deeper connections with people outside the family
Where Can I Find a Mentor in Northern Los Angeles County?
With Bridge The Gap, you don’t have to look any further for a good mentor. You can reach out to us or have your child connect with us. Not only do we work with teens but also their families. It’s helpful for us to understand family dynamics and assist families in establishing healthy boundaries, developing good communication skills and preventing enabling behaviors. Contact us today to learn more about our mentoring services in Northern Los Angeles County.