You, as a mentor, are working to create a loving, trusting relationship with your student. However, it is important to remember that there are boundaries in all relationships.

 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering boundaries with your student.

 

Mentors Are

1. A Friend - A loving caring adult for the student

2. Exclusive - You are there for that student only

3. An Interpreter - Speak and listen at the student’s level

4. Accepting - Respect for socioeconomic and cultural differences

5. Reliable - Faithfully show up on time every week

6. Dependable - Willing and able to mentor for a minimum of one year

7. Flexible - Able to react well to changing situations

8. A Good Role Model - Remain calm, patient, and positive

9. Obedient - Follows Kidz Connected boundaries, rules, and policies

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Mentors Are Not

1. Able to fix every problem - You are there to be a friend and give guidance

2. A Counselor - You can help with their emotional stability

3. A Teacher - You can assist their teacher

4. A Professional Tutor - Your primary responsibility is to build a relationship

5. A Replacement Parent - Work to build relationships with the student’s parents

6. Santa Clause - Small gifts on special occasions (birthdays/Christmas/etc.)

7. Not to tell your student they don't need a mentor or have outgrown the program

 

Below are some examples of activities that you may choose to do with your student. Please make sure you understand the category your activity would fall under before you begin or schedule it with your student.

 

Free to do on school property

● Mentoring at the school

● Playing games

● Reading books

● Helping with schoolwork

● Crafts

● Safe touches

 

Only with Discussion and Permission from Kidz Connected

● Attending extra-curricular school events

● Contact your student off school property

● Inviting your student to a non-Kidz Connected event (Kidz Connected permission slip required)

● Bringing food or snacks for the student

● Giving gifts