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Tips on Mentoring Troubled Boys

Indiana University's Education Program states that when students lack guidance from a trusted adult, they become more at-risk for different problems. Troubled boys may have broken relationships at home and school. Mentors that provide support will help troubled boys obtain a foundation to move forward to a successful and healthy life. Certain techniques will help mentors become more effective in helping troubled boys.

  1. Commitment to the Relationship

    • Indiana University's Education Program states that the most important indicator of effective mentoring relies on the commitment to the mentoring relationship. The more the mentor and troubled boy interact with each other, the better the relationship will be. This allows the youth to make changes, because he feels that he has positive support.

    Modeling Behavior

    • Modeling healthy behavior helps mentors become effective, according to the College of DuPage Library Support. If you want troubled boys to change their behavior, modeling appropriate behavior will help them see how to do that. If you encourage a certain type of behavior from the boys, avoid acting in a way that goes against that behavior.

    Guidance

    • A positive mentor will offer guidance to the troubled youth. Rather than simply showing up, the mentor should offer help and ideas to the troubled boys. When the youth experiences difficulty with school, peers or family, the mentor should offer ideas to resolve conflict and make changes.

    Boundaries

    • Many troubled boys may not have experienced appropriate boundaries in family relationships. Setting appropriate boundaries may help the youths understand how to have a healthy relationship. The mentors should help the troubled boys understand the difference between authority figures and friendships. If the youth crosses a physical or emotional boundary, the mentor should share how having boundaries allows for an appropriate relationship.

    Encouragement

    • The mentors should encourage the troubled boys in educational and personal goals, according to the University of Texas Austin's College of Education. Rather than focusing on problems that the boys have, focus on what they can accomplish. A good mentor will help a troubled boy move away from his troubled past into a promising future.

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