When You're Mentee is Not Ready To Hang Out

Sometimes you have an activity planned, but your mentee is not physically or mentally ready for it.  As mentors, we need to be flexible with plans and be ready to change plans at the last moment—especially if your mentee is feeling a bit stressed for whatever reason.

• Feed your mentee. If he’s irritable or tired, it could be because he’s hungry. Bring snacks with you, or stop off somewhere and have a meal out instead of what you originally had planned.
• Let your mentee blow off steam. Stop at the nearest park (get familiar with the area where your mentee lives) and give him 30 minutes to run around outside before heading to your destination. He’ll be less fidgety if he gets some exercise.
• Agree on a regular backup plan. Figure out something your mentee likes to do no matter what mood he is in (for my mentee, it was painting ceramics).  Agree that when all else fails, that will be the backup activity that you will go do.  

Adapted from Today's Tip for Parents.