WEEKLY
MATCH TIPS
Match Tip of the
week:
It’s Okay to say “No”: Setting Boundaries with your
Little
It can sometimes be difficult to say "no" to your
Little. As a Big, it is important to feel
comfortable setting limits. Children need and thrive
when they know what they can expect and what is
expected of them. Some children will test adults in
new settings to see how far they can go before they
are told "no." Limit testing is common around issues
of time and money. Call your Case Manager to explore
ways to feel comfortable setting limits with your
Little without feeling guilty.
Five Suggestions for Successful Mentors:
Have realistic
expectations
Set limits, avoid over involvement
Be Patient
Keep regular and consistent contact
Focus on the child’s strengths
How can I help my Little learn to show appreciation?
Lead by example.
Children can be forgetful so a simple reminder may
be all that is needed. For example: If someone
does something for your match (gives you tickets to
something) have your Little help you write a thank
you note. Modeling manners and respect is
something you can easily do whenever and wherever
you are together.
Self Esteem
Self
esteem among youth can be a taboo area at times.
Some children grow up and feel good about themselves
and where their life is directed while others can
feel down on themselves and lost. By acting as a
positive role model you can reinforce the positive
things going on in your Little’s life. A simple
compliment about what they’re wearing, a good grade
in school, or developing a new skill can go a long
way. Always do your best to focus on the positive
aspects of what’s happening in your Little’s life,
so that they can feel a sense of accomplishment and
pride as well!
Back To School
School is just around the corner and many kids are
not too anxious about going back. As a mentor, it’s
an important time for you to talk with your Little
about his/her thoughts and feelings about starting a
new grade or a new school. Asking questions about
school, grades and friends routinely is a great way
to stay informed on how the year is going from the
child’s perspective. Feel free to keep in touch
with your Little’s parent if you are interested in
helping with academics or school projects. Contact
your Case Manager if you would like more ideas on
how you can help your Little have a successful
school year.
Promoting
Health
&
Nutrition
with
Your
Little
Help your Little become more nutrition conscious by
teaching him or her how to make fast and fun, but
healthier meals. Try making a recipe book together with
several kid friendly items that are nutritious and easy
to make. If you’re out to eat with your Little, set an
example in the menu items you order and teach your
Little about healthy ordering choices as well. Whenever
possible, do activities that promote movement and
exercise such as walking or playing a sport.
Low Cost/No Cost Summer
Activities
Play at the swings at a park; go for a bike ride; go
swimming; take the dog for a walk; plant a garden; fly a
kite; throw a Frisbee; wash the car together; have a
lemonade stand. Don’t forget to talk to your Case
Manager
for more low cost/no cost ideas, too!
Important Policies to Remember
School is almost out and summer is nearly here!
While summer vacation may seem like a great time
for camping trips and sleepovers with your
Little, please keep in mind that
BBBS
does not
encourage overnight visits between
Bigs and Littles. If your match is considering
having an overnight, or you are already having
overnights, please notify your Case Manager.
Promoting Higher Education
It is
never too early to talk to your Little about
their hopes and dreams. Once you discover some
of their interests you can take that opportunity
to talk to them about how important education is
to reach those goals. For Littles of all ages
one idea is to walk around one of our local
college campuses and check out their library.
An older Little may be interested in going on a
college tour and you could offer to help set
that up or even accompany them. Be sure to talk
this over with their parent to ensure they are
supportive of your ideas. Share some of your
own memories about your education so they can
see how schooling has impacted who you are
today!
