Reasons Parent Mentoring is Essential

Parent mentoring is essential, but few realize why it’s so important or what it entails. For parents who have lost custody, this type of program is critical. Being separated from a child is extremely distressing, and most parents want to do all they can to regain that relationship.

Participants of parent mentoring programs typically receive referrals from the Office of the Public Defender or the Department of Health and Human Services. In Maryland, the MD Administration of Courts funds the program. While it is voluntary, parent mentoring offers the chance for individuals to reunite with children, help a child in need and build the skills needed to be a supportive parent.

Reasons Parent Mentoring is Essential

It Reunites Children with Parents

One primary goal of parent mentoring is to reunite children with their parents. However, the court system needs to be sure that this is in the child’s best interest. Parents are separated from their children for a variety of reasons. These can include neglect, physical or emotional abuse, jail time, alcohol or drug addiction, or a violation of a court order. No matter the exact situation, parents must be willing to build the skills they need to reunite with their families. They may need to show proof of their rehabilitation as well as housing, employment and transportation. If their mentorship program is a success, parents may have the chance to reconnect with their children and start anew. Ultimately, the court system will decide.

It Provides Parents Access to Employment Opportunities and Education Programs

Let’s say that Bill has just been released from jail. His two children have been placed in foster care. Upon reintegrating back into society, he wants to gain custody of his children once more. However, he’ll need steady income, stable housing and a vehicle. Perhaps he suffered from depression and anxiety during his time in prison and he needs mental health care. Bill may also need access to higher education in order to get a job that offers an adequate living wage. With a parent mentoring, all these things are possible. Parent mentors offer guidance, skill-building opportunities and contact with care providers like therapists.

It Helps Parents Gain Key Life Skills

Supporting a child requires strong social, competency and relationship skills. Some parents need additional support to grow and develop these skills, and that’s perfectly normal. Furthermore, parents who show interest in mentoring programs display initiative by reaching out for assistance. In some cases, asking for help is the first step towards a positive parent-child relationship. Mentors are trained to help parents navigate the process and work towards a better future for their families. With the right tools and guidance, parents can attain the tools they need to thrive.

Partner with Lead4Life, Inc. Today to Learn More about Parent Mentoring

At Lead4Life, we strive to empower every participant in our programs so that they may find their purpose, achieve their goals, and become poised, productive members of their community. We advocate for those in need and assist each and every individual by providing compassionate education and valuable resources like mental health tips so that they can make the very best decisions and develop important life, social, and competency skills. Visit our website for more information about our Parent Mentoring Initiative program or contact us at 240-499-8949.

Puberty and Teenage Mental Health

Puberty is a time of physical, emotional, and cognitive change. It’s when young people begin to leave the world of childhood and get their first glimpse of adulthood. However, growing up comes with its own challenges, like learning how to engage with peers and make responsible choices. Adding puberty into the mix can make teens especially vulnerable to exacerbated mental health issues. Therefore, it is important to understand the changing feelings and thoughts of your child and how to help them cope with this challenging stage.

If you are a parent, a teacher or a youth mentor, here’s what you should know about teenage mental health during puberty.

Puberty and Teenage Mental Health

The Challenges of Puberty

During puberty, teens often struggle with poor body image, peer pressure, intense feelings, body changes, and their newfound sexuality. This is also a time when kids begin making their own choices and seeking independence from their parents. As a result, increased conflicts with family members can also occur. These experiences are normal, but they can cause new challenges that affect a teenager’s mental health.

Unfortunately, early puberty also comes with more risks; many young people who experience early puberty are at risk for heightened mental health issues. This can include increased anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders and self-harming behavior. It’s extremely important to check in with your child frequently and encourage open conversations about teenage mental health.

Signs that a Teen’s Struggles Go Beyond Puberty

As a parent, you probably know what to expect from puberty since you’ve experienced it yourself. You recognize that when your child reaches puberty age, they are going to experience new challenges. With that being said, not every behavior can be dismissed as a symptom of puberty. It is possible that your child needs professional help if they are struggling or their problems are severe.

  • Sudden changes in behavior or emotional states; becoming extremely aggressive or detached
  • A severe change in eating habits (extreme weight loss or gain, vomiting after meals that indicates a potential eating disorder)
  • Any signs of self-harm, including cuts, scratches or burn marks on body
  • A loss of energy, having no interest in friendships, family, schoolwork and other activities
  • Attendance problems at school
  • Risk-taking behaviors such as alcohol/drug use, violent outbursts, lying frequently or bullying others

What You Can Do

If you’re a parent, a guardian or a youth mentor, you may want to know what you can do to support a young person during puberty. One of the best things you can do is encourage open communication and let the young person in your life know that you’re there for them. Having a support system or even one supportive person who they can talk to and share their struggles with is essential. However, if you notice a teenager’s mental health decline over time, you can seek help for them by recommending professional care. Trust your instincts and, most importantly, speak with your child or mentee regularly as they move from childhood to young adulthood.

Partner with Lead4Life, Inc. Today to Learn More

Visit our website for more information about teenage mental health, or contact us at 240-499-8949. At Lead4Life, we strive to empower every participant in our programs so that they may find their purpose, achieve their goals, and become poised, productive members of their community. We advocate for those in need and assist each and every individual by providing compassionate education and valuable resources like mental health tips so that they can make the very best decisions and develop important life, social, and competency skills.