Raising children is the most important responsibility that an adult can undertake. Often the role of a supportive and nurturing parent or parent figure in a child’s life is the building block to that child’s future. The importance of raising a child is also said to be a shared responsibility, as anyone who encounters that child leaves a lasting impression on them.

Early childhood is a crucial stage for children to develop physical, psychological, cognitive, motor and socio-economic skills. For this reason, it is extremely important for children to be surrounded by appropriate and positive role models who can influence their way of thinking in constructive ways.

Furthermore, adolescence is the transitional phase from childhood to adulthood which is notoriously difficult for most teenagers to navigate. Parents and teachers have a tough time guiding children at this stage of their life, as rebellion is often part of the teen territory. Having positive role models or mentors is especially beneficial to adolescents who need appropriate guidance on the independence they gain as they grow older.

The Power of a Mentor Program

In a perfect world, each child would have access to a mentor suited to their needs or circumstances, but this is often a luxury not afforded to many children. Children are naturally drawn to responsible and supportive figures, as they crave organization and structure to a certain level while growing up.

Religious mentors are especially beneficial to children as they share the same belief system and culture, which makes it easier to connect on a deeper level. An organization such as the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles runs a program that facilitates long-lasting mentor relationships and supports the development of the youth in the community.

Such mentor programs provide children with much-needed guidance, support and skills to cope with various situations they are either experiencing or may encounter in the future. The knowledge and support gained by young children and teenagers via their mentors is invaluable and can encourage them to mentor as adults in return.

Support Systems

It certainly takes a community to raise a child and mold them into a respectable and capable adult. Parents, family members, friends, teachers, peers, religious leaders, and political leaders all have a massive responsibility to ensure a child is properly educated, treated with dignity, and offered necessary health services.

Often communities come together with a common goal of helping the youth within their community and this adds valuable life and coping skills to a young child’s psyche. Exposing children to wholesome entertainment or opportunities is a great way to ensure a young child reaches their potential later in life and instills in them a sense of belonging and community.

Free sports, cultural and academic programs should be available to children, especially those who are disadvantaged to encourage an atmosphere of confidence and development. These programs can provide children with valuable opportunities to excel in their formative years and beyond.