My Best Mentors Are My Kids!
By: Rajeev Mudumba
Tags: Mentorship, Kids, Character, Relationships, Mentoring

Mentorship is a two way street!

What does that mean? Means, that you learn as much as you teach.

Do you know who some of my most influential mentors have been? My kids!

Yes, there is a ton to learn from your own kids. After all, they belong to a whole new generation that you are still trying to understand. And, the circumstances they grow up under are so different from your own. As a result, how they are shaped is different, and you can learn from their way of thinking, their ideas, actions, and deliberations.

But, more than anything, you as a parent want to set a great example for your kids. So, you end up thinking twice before you say or do something.

There you go! You hold yourself accountable for them.

Since kids look up to their parents, it’s up to you to ensure that whatever you say to them, you back it up with action and show them that it can be done! No empty talk, you see.

Further, kids these days are so clear in their thought process. They clearly know what they want and do not. I don’t believe I had that sort of clarity when I was their age. As for influences, if you raise strong kids, they will not be easily swayed by what’s out there that you do not want them near.

Adventure, risk taking, setting, and accomplishing goals; I would think that you teach these to your kids. But, you know the best part? All that ideal talk means nothing if you do not show that you are on that same path.

There are things my kids love to pursue, and I am happy for them. Not that they expect me to do the same, but they do watch whether you pursue what you love or not. That helps keep me in pursuit of my passions.

There are things that they do, and with such discipline that I admire them for that. I might not share the same likes but, that admiration does the part of inspiring me to keep encouraging them, and pursue what I like.

Before you know, this turns into a complete cycle where you are mentoring them to do what’s right and beneficial for them, but you show it as well through your actions, for you are getting mentored in the process.

Today’s kids will not bat their eyelids to tell you that you’re wrong, and not doing something when they think or see so. Not something I want to get caught with, either. So, that keeps me on my track of self improvement.

Age doesn’t define a mentor, your actions do!

There’s no hard rule that says that the elders need to mentor the younger ones. Effective mentoring is where you find it; in the character, discipline, openness of thinking, and action taker mentality of who you seek to learn from.

Character defines a lot in a person, and you want to help build integrity in character. Mirror this for your kids and see it reflected back.

You can make promises to yourself and if you break them, you know. Make it to your kids, and you cannot afford to break them. They will hold you accountable, and they will learn from it as well.

Respect is to be earned and can never be demanded. When you respect your kids choices and prod them on, as the wind beneath their wings, they will return the favor. Your story and your mettle will inspire respect for you. And, when they stick it out despite how tough their choices can get, you will respect them too.

All of this doesn’t mean that there won’t be times when you need to be strict with your kids since they went off track. They’re kids, and there will be such times. But, your ability to back up your actions, and their respect for you make it easier for them to understand your viewpoint. At the same time, never give them a chance where you’re on the receiving end. That’s what the relationship can do to you to keep you on track, always.

Either way, both will know that you’re there for each other no matter what.

Coaching and communicating with kids happens through stories, facts and anecdotes from life. Inspire them to face challenges, pursue goals, and empower them to do so. The best way you can do this is by setting an example of yourself.

Nurture your relationships and let me tell you, the sky is the limit in terms of where such healthy relationships can take the family together!