I’m the eldest son of my family. I have a little brother, but I also had the benefit of a “big brother”. It wasn’t a formal program, but rather my cousin, about 10 years my senior, who came to save me from my parents sometimes. Not that I needed saving, but every kid needs time away from mom and dad, much as we might not want to admit it.
My cousin would come by a few times a year and pick me up, take me camping, fishing, maybe a sporting event. He was another adult figure in my life to talk to, other than mom and dad. Sometimes you just need someone else to talk to. You can bet anything my parents needed to know, he told them, but he was my big brother to bounce ideas off of, to talk about my dreams to, to look up to.
I valued my experiences with him beyond words. He had kiddos, and I was determined to provide the same thing for them. I’d pick them up a few times a week and take them with me to martial arts, went camping with them, fishing, etc.
They in turn did the same with my son, and my genuine hope is that when they have kids, my son will be there for them, and their kids, for my son’s children, and on and on down the line.
I’m not super sentimental (at least not very openly), but I received an invitation in the mail to one of my cousin’s graduations. Of course I went. A little bit into the ceremony, the principal asked everyone who had received an invitation like mine to stand up. I did. He went on to explain how the graduates were asked to identify the person who had the most positive impact on their lives and the school sent out special invitations to them. I am glad I had sunglasses on because I cried more than a little, and was so proud to watch the kid graduate. I treated him to filet mignon and lobster later that week to celebrate his achievement.
It warms my heart beyond measure every time a student or a parent asks to talk to me. I am truly honored to be in a position to be a mentor from time to time. Please know my door is always open.
Kids need good role models; they need mentors. If you don’t have one for your child(ren), you should seriously consider finding one. It can be life changing for both the kid and the adult.