Investment of self and time is a major challenge for mentors, and it should not be taken lightly. Failing to follow through with a relationship -- by canceling or not showing up for a meeting or by just not demonstrating enough attention and support to someone who depends on and looks up to you -- is worse than never getting involved in the first place. It is sometimes difficult for volunteers to understand this. Before you assign them to someone, make sure that your mentors appreciate the importance of the role they'll be playing and that they're ready and able to keep their commitment to a younger person.
Compatibility is another challenge for mentoring programs. Your group should have a plan for dealing with situations in which the mentor and youth just don't get along. When that happens, each person needs to understand that there is no blame, simply a need for a different match. A new match should be made as soon as possible.
Mentors need to be patient. It is difficult to realize that a younger person may not be immediately grateful for your kindness, attention, and friendship. Positive changes may not show up for several months. A friendship may grow steadily for a while and at other times may seem stuck. In either case, both parties need to give the mentoring relationship a chance to grow.
Relationships between mentors and the parents of children being mentored are also occasionally sensitive. Though they sometimes feel jealous of or threatened by mentors, parents need to understand that mentors are not trying to take over the role of parents. Mentors, in turn, need to respect and support parents' rules and concerns for the children while building their own relationships.
Source: http://www.ncjrs.gov/html/youthbulletin/9907-4/mentor-5.html
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