MENTORING

Mentoring is a term often used these days that I never heard most of my life.  The concept is a simple one.  A mentor is a teacher, usually an informal one.  Every mentor can have a profound effect on the development of a person's personality and personal ethics. 

I had a mother and father as my main mentors which is as it should be but, sadly,  is not always the case these days.  They sent me to private schools so that my formal teachers were, at least, dedicated individuals.  Always be aware of your kids' teachers; they are with them for many hours.  Sports coaches, music coaches, dance coaches and the like are also mentors.  Filter them as best you can.  Larry Devaney, who coached me in my teen years was super.  One coach I had in Little League was later convicted as a sex offender...I had no idea.  Know your kids' coaches.  The friends your kids hang out with, especially older ones, can also be mentors of a sort.  Don't be shy about monitoring your kids' friends. 

Picking or influencing the selection of mentors is one of the most important things a parent can do for a child.  Don't be lax about it.

:-)