Can a supportive mentor really change a child’s confidence?
I’ve been thinking about how much difference one supportive adult can make in a child’s confidence.
For some children, things like speaking in front of a group, asking questions, or trying something new can be intimidating.
Having someone who listens, encourages them, and doesn’t make them feel embarrassed about mistakes could potentially make those things easier over time.
Volunteering and mentoring seem especially interesting because the impact isn’t always about teaching a particular subject. Sometimes it’s simply giving a child someone who believes in them.
Do you think having a consistent mentor can significantly affect a child’s confidence?
And if you’ve ever had a mentor or volunteered with children, what kind of interaction made the biggest difference?