Everyone needs a mentor, and everyone needs to be mentored, according to a popular saying. And it would be difficult to find someone who disagrees with that assertion. However, as dads & moms, most of us were never properly taught how to mentor others, particularly our children.
I would like to give you a crash course on 7 key stages to effectively mentoring your children, having mentored, coached, and discipled over hundreds of parents and being a mother of two. Mentoring effectively is not as tough as you might believe, but certainly requires intentionality which is tge challenge for many. Let’s get on with these stages .

1- Character:

It is critical that you be a person of integrity as a mentor. When no one is watching, your character is who you are. No parent can be an effective mentor or leader without first knowing how to lead himself or herself. When mentoring your children, it is important that you reflect your message, which means you must be an example to them rather than an excuse.

2- Commitment:

Being a good mentor isn’t about making promises; it’s about keeping those promises. Mentors that are effective maintain their promises to their mentees. Especially when it comes to harsh repercussions, keep your word to your children. You must teach your children that you speak what you mean and mean what you say. You must establish yourself as one of the most trustworthy and dependable persons they know.

3- Connection:

Effective mentors “connect” for respect; that is, they do not demand respect from others; rather, they earn it. And mentors earn it by being honest and open with their children. That implies you must share your entire life narrative with your children, not just the highlights. Tell them where they began, what nearly stopped you, and what changed your life.

4- Compassion:

It is one thing to mentor passionately, but a good mentor also coaches with “com-passion.” As a parent, you must provide a secure space for your children to share and heal, as well as a healthy environment in which they may learn and grow. You may have to get in their face to reprimand them at times, but you must constantly let them know you are on their side.

5- Communication:

It’s not so much what we say or want to say as it is what is really comprehended, and great mentors lead by listening rather than lecturing. You must learn to ask the “correct” questions, hold your children accountable, and empower rather than assist them to achieve their goals. It is your responsibility to be understood, as well as to ensure that you understand.

6- Coaching:

While personal experience is an excellent instructor, other people’s experiences are much better. You can only lead your children so far; as a mentor, you must show and illustrate to your children HOW you got there, as well as what potholes and traps to avoid. Assist them in gaining knowledge from your expertise.

7- Consistency:

If dedication gets you started, consistency will keep you going. A good mentor keeps in touch with the person they’re coaching on a regular basis. Because, at the end of the day, mentoring is about forming and keeping bonds. There is no such thing as a successful part-time parent or a part-time mentor. You may not be able to provide for all of your children’s needs, but they should know that you will always be there for them when they need you.