At the beginning of a new school year, we see the symbolism of renewal all around us. It's a time for a fresh start, a new beginning, and a new ME! It's a new opportunity for a child to become the best version of him or herself. It's a time for optimism and goal setting!

What does the arrival of August mean for a CYC mentee?

For many, it means the return to a healthy and predictable routine, the guarantee of a regular breakfast and a hot lunch, reconnecting with friends, and the surety of a mentor's visit. For most, it also means a new teacher (or several) and new expectations. For some, it can even mean learning to navigate a new school because the family has moved or chosen a different school option, or because the student is undergoing the big change of entering middle school or high school.

How can a mentor help?

• Ask open-ended questions. Gathering detailed information can take a back seat to listening to your mentee's feelings.
• Suggest and model simple gestures such as greeting the teacher and other adults at school. This act can help a child of any age feel more grounded in the environment as well as gather some positive attention.
• Adapt your mentoring to the child's natural developmental growth. Is your young mentee still impulsive and wanting to take physical action to solve problems? Keep your sessions lively, and gently suggest alternatives.
• Is your upper elementary mentee beginning to understand what s/he enjoys or is good at doing? Introduce some career exploration.
• Does your mentee have a growing sense of autonomy? Have a conversation at the beginning of the year about what kinds of activities your visits should include. Your high school mentee is probably ready to set specific goals for your mentoring relationship.

Questions?

Your dedicated Mentor Coordinator is here to help!