Mentoring? Parenting?

Mentoring benefits all of us.

According to research, a mentoring relationship's benefits include increased self-esteem, self-awareness, resilience, positive mental health, social relationships, and academic performances.  Another study indicates that students being mentored are less likely to skip a class, more likely to enroll in college, more likely to volunteer regularly, more likely to hold leadership positions, and are interested in becoming a mentor themselves.

What is the difference between mentoring and parenting?
In short, a mentor is usually a significant adult outside of the home that can inspire and guide an interested party along life's journey.  However, parents can profit from adopting some essential skills of a mentor. Also, parents can extend their circle of influence by creating a mentoring circle and benefiting from the ripple effects it brings.

Parents who engage in their children's lives also know the friends and parents of their children.  This is a ready audience to share experiences and insights with.  Parents can mentor each other and each other's kids.  This is almost like an extended family with uncles and aunties who can inspire and guide when our kids do not want to listen to their own parents.

Parents may also benefit from the teachers, coaches, and tutors who take an interest in our children.  We can support, nurture, and encourage mentoring relationships amongst them.