Now that you know what PYD'S mentoring programs try to
accomplish, let's cover the program Do's and Don'ts.
We'll start with the DO's:
- Be flexible and patient.
- Set realistic expectations. Know your limits.
- Expect ups and downs in the relationship. Appreciate both the similarities and differences you and your mentee share.
- Use situations as “teachable moments” where you discuss the youth's behavior, consequences and alternatives.
- Make sure your mentee is wearing a seatbelt and/or necessary protective gear for physical activities.
- Enlist your mentee to help you plan outings.
- Contact PYD staff if you are frustrated, concerned or confused, and let PYD know as soon as possible if you must end the mentoring relationship.
Now for the program DON'Ts:
- Intake any alcohol or drugs before or during the time you spend with your mentee.
- Go on overnight trips with your mentee.
- Take all of the responsibility for planning activities and/or initiating contact with your mentee.
- Take sides in a mentee's family dispute.
- Physically discipline your mentee or use the “silent treatment” as a form of discipline.
- Make inappropriate, embarrassing or hurtful remarks to your mentee.
- Allow the mentoring relationship to terminate for any reason
without notifying a PYD staff
person
