I am wondering if anyone has any tips on what to do in situations where dealing with parents is an issue. One of my mentees - 16, boy, bright and hard working - feels incredibly ignored by his family. He is really and truly an amazing kid, but no matter what he does its never good enough. On top of that, his parents treat him as though he is 11. I have never said anything to a parent if they didn't first ask for my advice or opinion. The mother will call and talk to me about how stressed out he is, and while I'd love to say that I think he needs some growing space and be allowed to test the waters of adulthood, I've felt I just can't say that. I don't feel its my place to give advice to a parent. I've only ever done it when the parent asked for my thoughts in a time of crisis. And while this is not a time of crisis, I know that its leading up to one. I know these parents very well as I've worked with this kid for four years. any thoughts? Should the mentor always stay out of it?
