Taking your mentee out doesn't always have to be spending money on a movie or going out to eat. Next time you have to run errands, bring your mentee along. It's a great opportunity to teach some real-life skills (How much does milk cost? How much money do I save changing my own windshield wiper versus paying a mechanic?) and can often lead to some meaningful conversation time.
Your Mentee Can Be Your Errand Partner
Do you find yourself wondering how you’re going to get your personal errands done AND spend time with your mentoring match? Depending on the age of your match and the experience they have ‘helping’ an adult, they could be your very best errand ‘partner’! Being single, I wasn’t used to having someone help me do anything. When Chelsea got to be a teenager (it took me a while before I would allow her to be away from my side – paranoia I guess), I’d often delegate parts of an errand to her. If we were at the office supply store, while I’m looking for the right print cartridges I’d send her off to get some copies run. When we were at the grocery store walking down the aisles together, I’d send her off to find the item I overlooked. I may have to remind her what to do and where I’ll be when she gets done, but it’s all worth it! You can teach your mentee life skills as you go and get a lot of your personal errands done while you’re together. It’s a win-win arrangement, and a whole lot more fun with your ‘partner’ in tow. What errands can you run with your mentee and what can you teach while together?
(from Youth Mentor Ideas)
No comments:
Post a Comment