SoundOffBlog's Blog

My first thought was what is an hour once a month really going to do for the child. My thoughts of what a mentor would be and do would take at least a couple of hours at least once of week, or 8 hours at least every two weeks.

I would think that too....but then....even 4 hours a month seems like NOTHING to me when discussing how much direct, one on one contact with a child it takes for that child to be inspired by you in a way that effects their behavior. HOWEVER, my son started guitar lessons in August. Dave Hagerty, a young man with long hair and a passion for music, has made a HUGE impact on my 10 yr old son. It's so much more than learning an instrument. My son has ADHD, ODD, he's dyslexic, and dysgraphic. His self esteem was rock bottom, he had an awful attitude toward adults, didnt care how he looked, etc.... Everything I read said that if I took care of his self esteem issues, the rest would likely follow. My boy loves music, his fathers side of the famly has an Irish folk band that plays around town at local pubs. He loves to sing and really wanted to learn an instrument. His grandfather bought him a guitar for his birthday in July and in August he had his first, hour long guitar lesson with Dave. Every Wednesday night he spends an hour with Dave learning the guitar. 2 months later, his shirts are tucked in, he's brushing his teeth, his self esteem is drastically improved, his social presence around his peers is changing..... I would've never thought that 4 hours with a young hippie guitar teacher would've done him so much good....He adores Dave, he's inspired like I've never seen him. If one hour a week can do so much, what could 1 hour a month HURT? I say it's worth a shot.

mini,
I agree with the need , but you lost me from there.
ANY positive influence has the potential to be an epiphany for any child.
It's hard to tell what one act of kindness or responsibility or concern can do for someone.
The racial issue is one which allows for much greater influence in a positive regard as well , so a small amount of time can make a huge difference. Certainly , more time is better , but any is worthwhile.

Mentoring children is relative to having a good, healthy relationship with them, demonstrating good, acceptable behaviors and offering them support during difficult times. It is not difficult at all to do!!!