Volunteering is extremely meaningful. But can we also recognize that it can sometimes feel challenging? There are difficulties that come with sacrificially giving your time to make an impact. You may not always feel qualified, empowered, or even acknowledged.
Your Kids Hope USA mentoring journey is a great example of this. If you’ve ever left a session wondering, ‘Am I making a difference?’ — you’re not alone.
What do we do when mentoring gets tough? Let’s talk about it.
Common Challenges Mentors Face
Mentors across the country may sometimes experience relatable struggles throughout their mentoring journey. Here are a few of the realistic hurdles that mentors may experience.
- Your student seems disengaged or distant
- Your student hasn’t said more than a few words in weeks
- Behavior challenges in the classroom and during mentoring
- Slow progress
- Scheduling conflicts or consistency challenges
- Emotional weight of caring deeply but feeling unsure what to do
- Health issues for the student and/or mentor
Have you dealt with any of the above struggles? This is a reminder that you are not alone. Although volunteering comes with its challenges, it’s crucial that we recognize the root of what’s happening in those challenges.
What’s Really Going On
Mentoring is about showing up. It’s not about “fixing” everything or instant results. The consistency that a mentor provides week after week builds a deep sense of trust in the student, even when it doesn’t feel like progress.
Mentors, it is important to look for the small wins during your time together. Notice the smiles, appreciate the moments of laughter, and enjoy the simple connection. The students in Kids Hope USA mentoring programs across the country are dealing with more than you may know, and they often need time to open up.
The beauty of a mentoring relationship is that the growth is shared growth – meaning that you grow right alongside your student. Let this be an encouragement to you! The “you” that you’ll become at the end of the school year is different than the “you” that started the year. Growing together is a transformative thing.
Practical Things to Do When It Gets Tough
What can we do when the going gets tough? Here are a few practical solutions to consider.
- Talk with your program director(s). They can help you process the specific situation you are walking through and give you the tools to problem-solve.
- Pray for your student and the relationship. Pray over your situation! Be intentional with your prayer partner; they are there to pray on your behalf. Fill them in on your prayer requests and believe in faith!
- Remember this relationship is one of longevity. Change takes time. The seeds you plant today may grow later.
- Lean on your mentor support system. Other mentors have been there; you’re part of a community. Talk to mentors in your church and from other churches. Share experiences!
- Keep showing up. Faithful presence speaks volumes. Remember that Jesus showed up in unwanted and difficult spaces. Be that Christlike example in your local school!
The Impact You Can’t Always See
God is at work even when you may not see it.
“On Easter Sunday, we had the privilege of baptizing a kid who has been in the Kids Hope USA program for four years! He has been attending our church regularly with his family over the past year.”
This recent story is a perfect example of the power of consistency in a mentoring relationship. Three years of tilling the soil, sowing seeds, and watering the ground led to this student and his family attending church and ultimately taking the next step in their faith.
Keep Going when Mentoring Gets Tough
Spend some time reflecting on your ‘why.’ God has called you to mentor your specific student. Trust that He knows why you are the most qualified individual for the job. Even on the hard days, you’re making a difference.
If you have any questions or need more information, connect with us! Kids Hope USA wants to see you succeed and thrive in your role.
Prayer of encouragement:
Lord, thank you for the opportunity to mentor my student. I pray for a renewed perspective when mentoring gets tough. Be near to my student and be near to me. Give me peace and patience. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you! Thank you for being in control of all things – my mentoring relationship being one of those. Amen.