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Re: Generation gaps
I can sometimes see that wide expanse between the students and the mentors who are parents (with exceptions, like Dave, or course), which makes me think that some parents are so use to being THE AUTHORITY FIGURE that it makes it really hard for them to work with the students as equals. And working as equals is something that our team always strives for. The adults may (remember, that's "may") know more and have more experience but that doesn't make the students ideas invalid or any less important.
I think mentors can be part of the students social interactions depending on what those interactions are. Sometimes students come over to my place to play games or to watch B movies and I think this interaction is fine, however, when I was invited to the prom, I said no because to me, that would have just been weird. I guess I'm like Elgin in being a bridge and I like it that way. I may call them bratlings, but they always know I will listen to them if they need an ear to bend. They have a habit (whether intentionally or accidentally) of talking around me very freely, and if they cross a certain line, I just stick my fingers in my ears and go "la la la la" which makes them laugh, but gets the point across. I tease them and they pick on me, but when it comes down to it and I'm in the chaperon role, they listen to me and I like to think its because they respect me, not because they fear me or fear punishment. I guess that's a big part of why I'm a bridge, I respect them and they respect me (yeah, some of them would be laughing at that and saying "yeah, right" but it's all an act, they do respect me).
Heidi
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