One On One Mentoring Project

Face-to-face conversations can foster development, enhance communication skills, and build confidence. 💪Talk to your children and teens about mental health. Need help getting started? samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/helping-your-child

Some spring activity ideas🌷

75+ Fun Spring Activities to Do as the Weather Warms Up Looking for some fun spring activities for the entire family? Discover ideas for kids, for recharging, and for exploring the great outdoors.

🎙️ How to Talk to Teenagers Without Pushing Them Away When it comes to connecting with teenagers, less is often more. Teens aren’t big fans of being bombarded with questions—it can feel overwhelming and even push them to shut down. So how can you encourage meaningful conversations without making them feel interrogated? 💡 Here’s what works: • 🛑 Don’t fire off rapid questions: Instead of “How was school? What did you learn? Did you eat lunch?” pick one thoughtful question. • 🕰️ Give them space: Teens often need time to open up. A quiet car ride or hanging out doing something they enjoy can create opportunities for natural conversations. • 🤔 Focus on open-ended questions: Swap “Did you have a good day?” with “What was the best part of your day?” • 🗣️ Reflect and listen: If they do share, reflect back what you hear: “It sounds like you’re excited about that project.” This shows you’re tuned in without prying. • 💬 Share, don’t grill: Instead of asking, “What did you do?” try sharing something about your day. This invites them to respond without pressure. ✨ Pro Tip: Be patient. Building trust takes time, but when they feel safe, they’ll come to you. 🛠️ Try This: Next time you’re with a teen, let the silence linger and see what they bring up. You might be surprised! 👥 Like this advice? Follow me for more tips on building stronger connections with teens and beyond!

During National , take a moment to reflect on the people who have guided and inspired you throughout your life. Then, pay it forward by becoming a mentor and helping support the next generation! Learn more at: www.iowamentoring.org