One thing I’ve noticed over the years of working with children is that they don’t receive enough positive praise. I think as a mentor, we have the opportunity to praise and encourage our mentees. Here is a list of positive statements I’ve collected over the years. Next time you are with your mentee, try saying one or two of these and see how they react:
That’s incredible; How extraordinary; Outstanding performance; Great; You’re unique; Fantastic work; You made the difference; You’re a shining star; You’re catching on; super job; You’re so kind; You make me smile; thanks for helping; thanks for caring; you figured it out; it couldn’t be better.
Try to remember the last time someone gave you praise and encouragement like the words stated above. Remember how you felt? Didn’t it make your day better? Didn’t it make you feel like you wanted to compliment someone else, to make them feel good? If you truly want to feel good about yourself, try saying these words to your mentee (or others) and see the smile that comes across their face. And say it like you mean it! Make eye contact, have open body language (body positioned towards them, uncross arms and legs) and tell them Good Job! If the old saying is that we lead by example, then praise and encourage other people in front of your mentee. And try this with your own children and family. It’s a great way build self-confidence and self-esteem while making you feel good about yourself!
I recently came across this saying and felt it was worth sharing:
One hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.
