Mentoring a Troubled Teen

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I've worked with troubled teens at a Texas Youth Commission boot camp. In part, I was responsible for a team of over 100 volunteers who provided recreational, educational, spiritual and financial services for the boys who were residents there. One thing I found lacking in these youth was a healthy, balanced sense of value and worth. A balanced sense of self esteem, including being accountable for their actions (as we all must be) as well as understanding and believing that their lives had value and worth just because they are living, breathing human beings, is essential.  This is especially true because many of them were entrenched in negative thinking patterns and corrupt life styles.

Many of these youths' eyes would pop open when I would tell them that they are valuable and that their lives have meaning and purpose. No one had ever told them stuff like that before. Now, you're not going to get all of them ... one in particular pointed out to me that he couldn't wait to get to prison because his dad told him how much fun it was! Come on, kid ... you're smarter than that!!!

One program I ran for these youth was a Mentor program. My team of volunteers was the absolute best! And their work on behalf of these boys was nothing short of outstanding, whichever program they were presenting! But the mentor program stood high on the list for effectiveness. Nothing can replace that one-on-one relationship where both mentor and mentee are learning together and from each other. The wisdom and experience that came from the mentor was a guiding light for these young boys. 

Added to this point, I found that many of the volunteers who had "been there, done that," were even more effective in working with them. They understood the life, and were able to express their ways and means of getting out of that lifestyle and putting their feet on a more healthy, productive life pathway. They could really help these kids in a way that they could relate to and grasp hold of. 

I know your lives are busy, and full of stress. But if you can find the time, become a volunteer. I recommend becoming a mentor to a youth who needs your attention, knowledge and experience. Care. Do it today!

Jane Harber, author
"Quit Digging! A Lifeline of Hope for Troubled Teens"